Power supply system, fuel pack constituting the system, and device driven by power generator and power supply system

ABSTRACT

A fuel pack with a space for storing a fuel is provided which includes a case, wherein the case includes a feed port for exhausting the fuel to outside of the fuel pack, and at least a portion of the case is formed of a biodegradable material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/023,269, filed on Dec. 18, 2001, which is based upon andclaims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese PatentApplications No. 2000-388398, filed Dec. 21, 2000; No. 2001-009373,filed Jan. 17, 2001; and No. 2001-280356, filed Sep. 14, 2001, theentire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a power supply system, and moreparticularly to a portable power supply system capable of effectivelyutilizing an energy resource, a fuel pack constituting the power supplysystem, and a device driven by a power generator and the power supplysystem.

2. Description of the Related Art

In all household and industrial fields, various kinds of chemical cellsare used. For example, a primary cell such as an alkaline dry cell or amanganese dry cell is often used in watches, cameras, toys, and portableacoustic devices, and it has a characteristic that its quantity ofproduction is large from the global viewpoint and it is inexpensive andreadily available.

A secondary cell such as a lead storage battery, a nickel-cadmiumstorage battery, a nickel-hydrogen storage battery, a lithium ionbattery is often used in mobile phones or personal digital assistances(PDA) which are in widespread use in recent portable devices such as adigital video camera or a digital still camera, and it has acharacteristic which is superior in the economical efficiency because itcan be repeatedly charged and discharged. Among secondary cells, thelead storage battery is utilized as a start-up power supply for vehiclesor marine vessels or an emergency power supply in industrial facilitiesor medical facilities and the like.

In recent years, with the rising interest in environmental concerns orenergy problems, problems concerning waste materials generated after useof chemical cells such as described above or those concerning the energyconversion efficiency have come under close scrutiny.

The primary cell has its inexpensive product price and is readilyavailable as described above, and there are many devices which utilizethis cell as a power supply. Further, basically, when the primary cellis once discharged, the battery capacity can not be recovered, namely,it can be used only once (which is a so-called disposable battery). Aquantity of waste materials per year, therefore, exceeds, severalmillions tons. Here, there is static information mentioning that a ratioof the entire chemical cells which are collected for recycling is onlyapproximately 20% and remaining approximately 80% is thrown away in thenatural world or subjected to landfill disposal. Thus, there is fear ofenvironmental destruction and disfigurement of the natural environmentby heavy metal such as mercury or indium included in such uncollectedbatteries.

Verifying the above-described chemical battery in the light of theefficiency of use of an energy resource, since the primary cell isproduced by utilizing the energy which is approximately 300-fold of thedischargeable energy, the efficiency of use of the energy is less than1%. Even in case of the secondary cell which can be repeatedly chargedand discharged and is superior in the economical efficiency, when thesecondary cell is charged from a domestic power supply (convenienceoutlet) or the like, the efficiency of use of the energy drops toapproximately 12% due to the efficiency of power generation in anelectric power plant or the transmission loss. Therefore, it can not besaid that the energy resource is necessarily efficiency utilized.

Thus, the attention is recently drawn on various kinds of new powersupply systems or power generation systems (which will be genericallyreferred to as a “power supply system” hereinafter) including a fuelbattery which has less influence (burden) on the environment and iscapable of realizing the extremely high energy utilization efficiencyof, e.g., approximately 30 to 40%. Furthermore, for the purpose ofapplication to a drive power supply for vehicles or a power supplysystem for business use, a cogeneration system for domestic use andothers, or substitution for the above-described chemical cell, study anddevelopment for practical application are carried out extensively.

In the power supply system with the high energy utilization efficiencysuch as a fuel cell, means capable of replenishing the fuel with an easyoperation when the fuel accumulated inside is run out is notestablished. Moreover, a fuel cell portion in the power supply system isalso a durable material and, in particular, a catalyst provided insidethe fuel cell is apt to be deteriorated by use of a heater or the like.Generally, such a system is life-expired earlier than a device driven bythe power supply system, and a power supply system which is integralwith a device must be replaced for each device or sometimes has a whaleof a time being repaired.

In addition, it is impossible to avoid a problem that constituent parts(for example, a fuel tank and others) of the power supply system afterthe power generation fuel has been used up or its durable period haspassed are discarded as waste materials, and there is the possibilitythat the problem of environmental destruction or disfigurement ofnatural environment may occur as similar to the above-described chemicalcell.

In view of the above-described problems, the present invention has anadvantage that environmental destruction or disfigurement by wastematerials discarded after use can be suppressed in a power supply systemwhich can be used as a substitute for a portable cell or a chemicalcell, or an fuel charging portion or a power generation module which canbe used as a part of the power supply system.

Additionally, in order to reduce the power supply system with the highenergy utilization efficiency such as a fuel cell in size and weight andapply it as a substitute (interchangeable product) for a transportableor portable power supply, for example, the above-described chemicalcell, the power supply system has the following problems.

Usually, although the fuel battery generates power by bringing alcoholfuel or hydrogen gas including a hydrogen element into contact with oneof electrodes, the fuel cell itself does not control start and stop ofpower generation. In the power supply system including the fuel cellutilized as a power supply for a portable device in particular,therefore, even if the device is in the off mode or the standby mode andrequires less power, the electric power to be supplied to the device isconstantly outputted as similar to a general chemical cell and power ishence always generated, thereby deteriorating the consumption efficiencyof the fuel. In order to set the volume and weight of the portabledevice to such values as that that the portable device can be carried orbrought with the power system being accommodated therein, a quantity offuel for power generation for the fuel cell is necessarily restricted,and it is desired that control is carried out so that the powergeneration fuel is further efficiently consumed and a power supplyduration is prolonged.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above-described problems, the present invention has anadvantage of providing a power generation module, a fuel pack and apower supply system including these members which can stably andexcellently actuate a device using a general-purpose chemical cell asoperating electric power and achieve effective use of an energy resourceby suppressing waste of a power generation fuel.

Further, in existing portable devices or the like using a chemical cellas an operating power supply (a mobile phone or a personal digitalassistant which are recently in widespread use, in particular), most ofthem have a function for detecting a consumption state of the batteryand constantly displaying a quantity of remaining battery power, afunction for notifying an alarm, a message or the like for urgingreplacement or discharge of the battery when an output voltage of thebattery has reached a predetermined lower limit value (which will begenerically referred to as a “residual quantity notification function”for the sake of convenience hereinafter) and others.

Specifically, as a tendency of changes with a time of an output voltagein a general chemical cell (electromotive force characteristic), sinceit is known that the electromotive force characteristic Sp isdeteriorated with elapse of time involved by discharge and the outputvoltage is gradually lowered as shown in FIG. 76, a change in the outputvoltage is detected and a residual quantity of the battery or an assumedtime capable of driving a device is periodically or continuouslydisplayed, or notification for urging replacement or discharge of thebattery (residual quantity notification Ip) is carried out for a user ofa device when an output voltage lower than a voltage range (operationguaranteed voltage range) in which the operation is normally carried outin a portable device or the like.

On the contrary, since most of the power supply systems with the highenergy utilization efficiency including a fuel cell are basically powergeneration devices using a predetermined fuel, an output voltagecharacteristic (electromotive force characteristic) Sf of the powersupply system is arbitrarily set based on a quantity of the fuel to besupplied to a power generation portion or the like irrespective ofelapse of the time involved by discharge (namely, a residual quantity ofthe fuel) as shown in FIG. 77. Therefore, since the power supply systemis designed based on a specification of a portable device or the like insuch a manner that an ideal constant voltage Vi capable of realizing thestable operation can be outputted, a fixed quantity of the fuel issupplied per unit time irrespective of a residual quantity of the fuel,and the power generation operation in the power supply system is stoppedand the output voltage Vi is instantaneously changed into 0V when thefuel is run out.

Accordingly, when a power supply system (for example, a fuel cell)having such an electromotive force characteristic Sf is directly appliedas a power supply for an existing portable device, since decrease in theoutput voltage due to elapse of time involved by discharge can not bedetected, the above-described residual quantity notification functioncan not be completely utilized, and thus a user experiencesinconvenience because he/she can not grasp the state of the fuel inadvance. Furthermore, in case of using, as a substitute for a chemicalcell, the power supply system including the fuel cell as a power supplyfor a portable device or the like in future, since the device must benewly provided with functions or structures for directly detecting aresidual quantity of the fuel and urging filling or replenishment of thefuel or replacement of the power supply system itself, the structure ofthe peripheral parts of the power supply portion in the portable deviceor the like must be largely redesigned, which results in increase in theproduct cost.

Accordingly, in view of the above-described problems, the presentinvention has an advantage of providing a power supply system capable ofutilizing at least one of functions for detecting drop of an outputvoltage of a battery, displaying a residual quantity of the battery, andurging replacement or charge of the battery with respect to an existingdevice such as a portable device having these functions.

According to the present invention, there is provided a power supplysystem for supplying electric power to an external device, comprising:

-   -   a fuel charging portion having a fuel charged therein; and    -   a power generation portion which can be attached and removed        to/from the fuel charging portion without restraint and        generates the electric power by using the fuel supplied from the        fuel charging portion.

According to the present invention, since the fuel charging portion canbe arbitrarily attached and removed to/from the power generationportion, the fuel charging portion can be easily replaced with a newfuel charging portion having a fuel therein when the fuel is run out.Furthermore, if the power supply system is designed so that it can beattached and removed to/from the external device without restraint, thepower generation portion can be replaced with a new power generationportion which normally generates power when the power generation portionis almost life-expired. Therefore, since the power generation portionwhich is relatively considerably consumed due to deterioration of acatalyst can be readily replaced, a device does not have to be replacedor repaired. Since the present invention has a structure such thatreplacement of only the necessary minimum portions can suffice, waste ofa resource can be suppressed.

According to the present invention, there is provided a fuel pack havinga space for accommodating a fuel therein, comprising:

-   -   a fuel case main body which can be freely coupled with and        removed from a power generation portion which generates power by        using the fuel and has an exposed portion which is exposed from        the power generation when coupled with the power generation        portion; and    -   an outlet port for supplying the fuel to the power generation        portion.

By providing the exposed portion to the fuel pack in this manner, aresidual quantity of the fuel can be readily confirmed and used withoutmaking any waste, and the fuel pack can be easily taken out from theexposed portion when replacing the fuel pack.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda fuel pack comprising:

-   -   a case which has an outlet for feeding the fuel to the outside        and formed of a biodegradable material.

Since the case is formed of a biodegradable material, it can bedecomposed without retaining its shape even if it is landfilled in thesoil, and it is possible to save the trouble of collection as in thecase of a general-purpose battery since it is not toxic. Moreover, ifthe fuel pack is unused, the case is not decomposed when the fuel packis protected by protecting means, thereby safely storing the fuel pack.

According to further aspect of present invention, there is provided apower generator, comprising:

-   -   a power generation module for generating electric power from a        fuel;    -   a first interface for causing a fuel holding portion having a        space for accommodating the fuel therein to be attached to and        removed from the power generation module without restraint, and        fetching the fuel from the fuel holding portion into the power        generation module; and    -   a second interface for causing the power generation module to be        attached to and removed from an external device having a load        without restraint, and outputting electric power generated from        the power generation module to the external device.

According to the present aspect, since the power generator can bearbitrarily attached to and removed from the external device, the powergenerator can be replaced with a new power generator which normallygenerates power when the power generator is almost or completelylife-expired. Therefore, since the power generator which is relativelyconsiderably consumed due to deterioration of a catalyst or the like canbe readily replaced, there is no need to replace or repair the device.Since the present invention has a structure such that replacement ofonly the necessary minimum parts can suffice as described above, wasteof a resource can be suppressed.

In addition, by providing a capacitor to the power generation module,wasteful discharge does not have to be performed by carrying outautomatic charge in advance, and the energy utilization efficiency canbe improved.

According to further aspect of the present invention, there is provideda device comprising:

-   -   a load functioning by electric power; and    -   a power supply system which can be attached to and removed from        the device without restraint and supplies electric power        generated by using a fuel to the load.

Since the power supply system is detachable as described above, when,for example, a small fuel cell is applied as the power supply system,the power supply system can be readily removed from the device when thefuel cell is life-expired, and hence the power supply system does nothave to be replaced in accordance with each device, thereby suppressingthe cost.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power generator comprising:

-   -   power generating means for generating power by using a fuel        charged in detachable fuel charging means; and    -   controlling means for changing with a time an output voltage        supplied to a load by electric power generated by the power        generating means.

According to the present aspect, since it is possible to realize aportable power supply having an output voltage characteristic accordingto a tendency of changes in voltage of a general-purpose chemical cellor the like, even if the power generator is directly used as a powersupply for an existing portable device or the like, functions fordetecting a change in the output voltage, displaying a residual quantityof the battery or an assumed time capable of driving the device, orurging replacement or charge of the battery can be utilized withouttrouble, thereby providing the power generator with the highcompatibility to the chemical cell.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views for schematically showingapplication of a power supply system in different states according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are block diagrams showing different basicstructures of the power supply system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a structure of a power generationportion of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing a first structural example of asub power supply portion applicable to the power generation moduleaccording to the embodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional viewschematically showing a second structural example of the sub powersupply portion applicable to the power generation module according tothis embodiment;

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are views schematically showing a third structuralexample of the sub power supply portion applicable to the powergeneration module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are views schematically showing a fourth structuralexample of the sub power supply portion applicable to the powergeneration module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views schematically showing a fifth structuralexample of the sub power supply portion applicable to the powergeneration module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing a sixth structural example ofthe sub power supply portion applicable to the power generation moduleaccording to the embodiment;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are views schematically showing a seventh structuralexample of the sub power supply portion applicable to the powergeneration module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an eighth structural example of thesub power supply portion applicable to the power generation moduleaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an operation state (part 1) inanother example of the eighth structural example of the sub power supplyportion applicable to the power generation module according to theembodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing an operation state (part 2) inanother example of the eighth structural example of the sub power supplyportion applicable to the power generation module according to theembodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing an operation state (part 3) inanother example of the eighth structural example of the sub power supplyportion applicable to the power generation module according to theembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing an operation state (part 1) in stillanother example of the eighth structural example of the sub power supplyportion applicable to the power generation module according to theembodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing an operation state (part 2) in stillanother example of the eighth structural example of the sub power supplyportion applicable to the power generation module according to theembodiment;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing an operation state (part 3) in stillanother example of the eighth structural example of the sub power supplyportion applicable to the power generation module according to theembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a first structural example of apower generation portion applicable to the power generation moduleaccording to the embodiment;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are views showing a hydrogen generation process in afuel reforming portion applied to the power generation portion accordingto the embodiment;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional viewschematically showing a second structural example of the powergeneration portion applicable to the power generation module accordingto the embodiment;

FIGS. 22A to 22D are schematic views showing a third structural exampleof the power generation portion applicable to the power generationmodule according to the embodiment in the different operation states;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are views schematically showing a fourth structuralexample of the power generation portion applicable to the powergeneration module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are views schematically showing a fifth structuralexample of the power generation portion applicable to the powergeneration module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are views schematically showing a sixth structuralexample of the power generation portion applicable to the powergeneration module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a primary structure of a concreteexample of the power generation module applicable to the power supplysystem according to the embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supplysystem according to the embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a view showing an initial operation (standby mode) of thepower supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a view showing a start-up operation of the power supplysystem according to the embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a view showing a steady operation (steady mode) of the powersupply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a view showing a stop operation of the power supply systemaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of a powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic view showing the electrical connectionrelationship between the power supply system (power generation module)according to the embodiment and a device;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supplysystem according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 35 is an operation conceptual view showing an initial operation(standby mode) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 36 is an operation conceptual view showing a start-up operation(part 1) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 37 is an operation conceptual view showing a start-up operation(part 2) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 38 is an operation conceptual view showing a steady operation (part1) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 39 is an operation conceptual view showing a steady operation (part2) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 40 is an operation conceptual view showing a stop operation (part1) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 41 is an operation conceptual view showing a stop operation (part2) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 42 is an operation conceptual view showing a stop operation (part3) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of a powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIGS. 45A and 45B are views schematically showing a first structuralexample of a sub power supply portion applicable to the power generationmodule according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 46A and 46B are views schematically showing a second structuralexample of the sub power supply portion applicable to the powergeneration module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of by-productcollecting means applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIGS. 48A to 48C are views schematically showing different operationsfor holding a by-product by the by-product collecting means according tothe present invention;

FIG. 49 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of residual quantitydetecting means applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 50 is a view showing a start-up operation of the power supplysystem according to the embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a view showing a steady operation (steady mode) of the powersupply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 52 is a view showing a stop operation of the power supply systemaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 53 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supplysystem;

FIG. 55 is a characteristic view showing changes with time of an outputvoltage of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 57 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 58 is a block diagrams showing an embodiment of by-productcollecting means applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 59 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of fuel stabilizingmeans applicable to the power supply system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the fuel stabilizingmeans applicable to the power supply system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 61 is an operation conceptual view showing a start-up operation ofthe power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 62 is an operation conceptual view showing a stop operation of thepower supply system according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 63A to 63F are perspective views schematically showing concreteexamples of different outside shapes applicable to the power supplysystem according to the present invention;

FIGS. 64A to 64C are perspective views schematically showing thecorrespondence relationship between the outside shapes applicable to thepower supply system according to the present invention and outsideshapes of a general-purpose chemical cell;

FIGS. 65A to 65H are views schematically showing outside shapes of afuel pack and a holder portion of the power supply system according tothe first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 66A and 66B are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing anattachable and detachable structure of the power generation module andthe fuel pack in the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 67A to 67G are views schematically showing a fuel pack of thepower supply system according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention and outside shapes of the fuel pack;

FIGS. 68A and 68B are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing anattachable and detachable structure of the power generation module andthe fuel pack in the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 69A to 69F are views schematically showing a fuel pack of thepower supply system according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention and outside shapes of the fuel pack;

FIGS. 70A to 70C are views schematically showing an attachable anddetachable structure of the power generation module and the fuel pack inthe power supply system in the embodiment;

FIGS. 71A to 71F are views schematically showing a fuel pack of thepower supply system according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention and outside shapes of the fuel pack;

FIGS. 72A to 72C are views schematically showing an attachable anddetachable structure of the power generation module and the fuel pack inthe power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 73 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a concretestructural example of the entire power supply system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view showing a structural example of the fuelreforming portion applied to the concrete structural example;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing another structural example of thefuel reforming portion applied to the concrete structural example;

FIG. 76 is a view showing a tendency of changes with time of an outputvoltage (electromotive force characteristic) in a general-purposechemical cell; and

FIG. 77 is a view showing an electromotive force characteristic in afuel cell for outputting a constant voltage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of a power supply system according to the present inventionwill now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

The entire outline to which the power supply system according to thepresent invention is applied will be first explained in conjunction withthe drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are conceptual views showing the applicationconformation of the power supply system according to the presentinvention.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a part or the whole of a powersupply system 301 according to the present invention can be arbitrarilyattached to and removed from (see an arrow P1) an existingelectric/electronic device (FIGS. 1A and 1B show a personal digitalassistant: which will be generally referred to as a “device”hereinafter) DVC which operates by a general-purpose primary cell or asecondary cell, as well as a specific electric/electronic device. Thepower supply system 301 is configured so that a part or the wholethereof can be independently portable. To the power supply system 301 isprovided electrodes having a positive electrode and a negative electrodefor supplying electric power to the device DVC at a predeterminedposition (for example, a position equivalent to the general-purposeprimary cell or secondary cell as will be described later).

The basic structure of the power supply system according to the presentinvention will now be described.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are block diagrams showing basic structures of the powersupply system according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the power supply system 301 according to thepresent invention roughly includes: a fuel pack (fuel charging portion)20 in which a power generation fuel FL consisting of a liquid fueland/or a gas fuel is charged; a power generation module 10 forgenerating electric power EG (power generation) according to a drivestate (load state) of the device DVC based on at least the powergeneration fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20; and an interfaceportion (which will be abbreviated as an “I/F portion” hereinafter) 30provided with a fuel feed path or the like for supplying the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 to the power generationmodule 10. The respective constituent parts are configured so that theycan be coupled with and separated from each other (attachable anddetachable) in an arbitrary conformation, or they are integrallyconfigured. Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, the I/F portion 30 may bestructured independently from the fuel pack 20 and the power generationmodule 10, or structured integrally with either the fuel pack 20 or thepower generation module 10 as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Alternatively,the I/F portion 30 may be configured to be divided for both the fuelpack 20 and the power generation module 10.

The structure of each block will now be concretely described.

First Embodiment

(A) Power Generation Module 10

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention, and FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a structure ofthe power supply system according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, a power generation module 10A according to thisembodiment constantly autonomously generates predetermined electricpower (second electric power) by using a power generation fuel suppliedfrom a fuel pack 20A through an I/F portion 30A and outputs it as adrive electric power (controller electric power) for a controller CNTwhich is included in the device DVC connected to at least the powersupply system 301 and controls to drive a load LD (an element or amodule having various kinds of functions of the device DVC). There isprovided a sub power supply portion (second power supply means) 11 foroutputting power as operating power for a later-described operationcontrol portion 13 which is disposed in the power generation module 10A.Furthermore, the power generation module 10A includes: an operationcontrol portion 13 which operates using electric power supplied from thesub power supply portion 11 and controls the operation state of theentire power supply system 301; a power generation portion (first powersupply means) 12 which has a heater (heating means) provided insideaccording to needs, generates predetermined electric power (firstelectric power) by using the power generation fuel supplied from thefuel pack 20A through the I/F portion 30A or a specified fuel componentextracted from the power generation fuel and outputs it as at least loaddrive electric power for driving various kinds of functions (load LD) ofthe device DVC connected to the power supply system 301; an outputcontrol portion 14 which at least controls a quantity of supplied powergeneration fuel to the power generation portion 12 and/or controls atemperature of the heater of the power generation portion 12 based on anoperation control signal from the operation control portion 13; astart-up control portion 15 for at least controlling so as to shift(activate) the power generation portion 12 from the standby mode to theoperation mode capable of generating power based on an operation controlsignal from the operation control portion 13; and a voltage monitoringportion (voltage detection portion) 16 for detecting a change in avoltage component of electric power (control electric power or loaddrive electric power) outputted from the power generation module 10A(the sub power supply portion 11 and the power generation portion 12) tothe device DVC.

As shown in FIG. 4, the power generation portion 12 includes: a fuelreforming portion (fuel reformer) 210 a for extracting a predeterminedfuel component (hydrogen) contained in the power generation fuel FL byutilizing a predetermined reforming reaction with respect to the powergeneration fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20; and a fuel cellportion 210 b for generating predetermined electric power for drivingthe device DVC and/or the load LD by an electrochemical reactionutilizing the fuel component extracted by the fuel reforming portion 210a.

The fuel reforming portion (fuel reformer) 210 a includes: a vaporreforming reaction portion 210X which receives a fuel formed of alcoholand water in the fuel pack 20 from the fuel control portion 14 a of theoutput control portion 14 and generates hydrogen, carbon dioxide as aby-product and a small amount of carbon monoxide; an aqueous shiftreaction portion 210Y which causes carbon monoxide supplied from thevapor reforming reaction portion 210X with water supplied from the fuelcontrol portion 14 a and/or the fuel cell portion 210 b and generatescarbon dioxide and hydrogen; and a selected oxidation reaction portion210Z for causing carbon monoxide which has not reacted in the aqueousshift reaction portion 210Y with oxygen and generates carbon dioxide.Therefore, the fuel reforming portion 210 a supplies to the fuel cellportion 210 b hydrogen obtained by reforming the fuel charged in thefuel pack 20 and performs detoxication to a small amount of generatedcarbon monoxide. That is, the fuel cell portion 210 b generates thesupply electric power made up of the controller electric power and theload drive electric power by using hydrogen gas with the high densitygenerated in the vapor reforming reaction portion 210X and the aqueousshift reaction portion 210Y.

Here, the operation control portion 13, the output control portion 14,the start-up control portion 15 and the voltage monitoring portion 16according to this embodiment constitute system controlling means in thepresent invention. Further, the power supply system 301 and the deviceDVC according to this embodiment are constituted in such a manner thatthe supply electric power outputted from the later-described powergeneration portion 12 is commonly supplied to the controller CNT and theload LD of the device DVC through a single electrode terminal EL.

Therefore, the power supply system 301 according to this embodiment isconfigured to be capable of outputting predetermined electric power(load drive electric power) with respect to the device DVC connected tothe power supply system 301 without depending on fuel supply or controlfrom the outside of the system (other than the power generation module10, the fuel pack 20 and the I/F portion 30).

<Sub Power Supply Portion 11>

As shown in FIG. 3, the sub power supply portion 11 applied to the powergeneration module according to this embodiment is configured to alwaysautonomously generate predetermined electric power (second electricpower) required for the start-up operation of the power supply system301, by using the physical or chemical energy or the like of the powergeneration fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A. This electric poweris roughly made up of electric power E1 and electric power E2. The powerE1 is constantly supplied as drive electric power (controller electricpower) for the controller CNT which is included in the device DVC andcontrols the drive state of various kinds of functions (load LD) andoperating electric power of the operation control portion 13 controllingthe operation state of the entire power generation module 10A. Theelectric power E2 is supplied as start-up electric power(voltage/electric current) to at least the output control portion 14(the power generation portion 12 may be included depending onstructures) and the start-up control portion 15 at the time of start-upof the power generation module 10A.

As a concrete structure of the sub power supply portion 11, it ispossible to excellently apply, for example, one utilizing theelectrochemical reaction (fuel cell) using the power generation fuel FLsupplied from the fuel pack 20A or one utilizing the thermal energy(temperature difference power generation) which is involved by thecatalytic combustion reaction or the like. Besides, it is possible toapply one utilizing the dynamic energy conversion action (gas turbinepower generation) or the like which rotates a power generator by using acharged pressure of the power generation fuel FL included in the fuelpack 20A or a gas pressure caused due to evaporation of the fuel andgenerates electric power, one which captures electrons generated bymetabolism (photosynthesis, aspiration or the like) due to microbeswhose source of nutrition is the power generation fuel FL and directlyconverts the electrons into the electric power (biochemical powergeneration), one which converts the vibration energy generated by thefluid energy of the power generation fuel FL based on the chargedpressure or the gas pressure into the electric power by utilizing theprinciple of electromagnetic induction (vibration power generation), oneutilizing discharge from the unit of electric power storing means suchas a secondary cell (battery charger), or a capacitor, one which storesthe electric power generated by each constituent part performing theabove-described power generation into electric power storing means (forexample, a secondary cell, a capacitor) and emits (discharges) it, andothers.

Each concrete example will now be described in detail hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Structural Example of Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIG. 5 is a view showing a first structural example of the sub powersupply portion applicable to the power generation module according tothis embodiment. Here, the example will be appropriately described inconjunction with the structure of the above-described power supplysystem (FIG. 3).

In the first structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion has a structure of a proton-exchange membrane fuel celladopting the fuel direct supply system by which the power generationfuel FL directly supplied from the fuel pack 20A is used and theelectric power (second electric power) is generated by theelectrochemical reaction.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub power supply portion 11A according to thisstructural example generally includes: a fuel electrode (cathode) 111consisting of a carbon electrode to which predetermined catalytic fineparticles adhere; an air electrode (anode) 112 consisting of a carbonelectrode to which predetermined catalytic fine particles adhere; an ionconductive membrane (exchange membrane) 113 interposed between the fuelelectrode 111 and the air electrode 112. Here, the power generation fuel(for example, alcohol-based substance such as methanol and water)charged in the fuel pack 20A is directly supplied to the fuel electrode111, and oxygen gas (O₂) in air is supplied to the air electrode 112.

As an example of the electrochemical reaction in the sub power supplyportion (fuel cell) 11A, specifically, when methanol (CH₃OH) and water(H₂O) are directly supplied by the fuel electrode 111, as indicated bythe following chemical equation (1), the electron (e⁻) is separated bythe catalysis and the hydrogen ion (proton; H⁺) is generated and passesto the air electrode 112 side through the ion conductive membrane 113.Furthermore, the electron (e⁻) is taken out by the carbon electrodeconstituting the fuel electrode 111 and supplied to the load 114(predetermined structures inside and outside the power supply system;here, the controller CNT of the device DVC, the operation controlportion 13, the power generation portion 12, the output control portion14 and the like). It is to be noted that a small amount of carbondioxide (CO₂) other than the hydrogen ion generated by the catalysis isemitted into air from, for example, the fuel electrode 111 side.CH₃OH+H₂O→6H⁺+6e⁻+CO₂  (1)

On the other hand, when air (oxygen O₂) is supplied to the air electrode112, the electron (e⁻) which has passed the load 114 by the catalysis,the hydrogen ion (H⁺) which has passed the ion conductive membrane 113and the oxygen gas (O₂) in air react with each other and water (H₂O) isgenerated.6H⁺+( 3/2)O₂+6e⁻→3H₂O  (2)

Such a series of electrochemical reactions (chemical equations (1) and(2)) proceed in the environment of a relatively low temperature which isapproximately a room temperature. Here, by collecting water (H₂O) as aby-product generated at the air electrode 112 and supplying a necessaryamount of water to the fuel electrode 111 side, it can be reused as asource material of the catalysis indicated by the chemical equation (1),and an amount of water (H₂O) previously stored (charged) in the fuelpack 20A can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the capacity of the fuelpack 20A can be considerably reduced, and the sub power supply portion11 can be continuously operated for a long period of time in order tosupply predetermined electric power. It is to be noted that thestructure of by-product collecting means which collects and reuses aby-product such as water (H₂O) generated at the air electrode 112 willbe explained later along with the similar structure in thelater-described power generation portion 12.

By applying the fuel cell having such a structure to the sub powersupply portion, since the peripheral structure is not required ascompared with other systems (for example, the later-described fuelreforming type fuel cell), the structure of the sub power supply portion11A can be simplified and minimized, and a predetermined amount of thepower generation fuel is automatically fed to the sub power supplyportion 11A (fuel electrode 111) by the capillary phenomenon through afuel transport pipe provided to the I/F portion 30A by only the verysimple operation, for example, coupling the fuel pack 20A with the powergeneration module 10A, thereby starting and continuing the powergeneration operation based on the chemical equations (1) and (2)mentioned above.

Therefore, predetermined electric power is always autonomously generatedby the sub power supply portion 11A as long as supply of the powergeneration fuel from the fuel pack 20A continues, and this electricpower can be supplied as the controller electric power of the device DVCand the operating electric power of the operation control portion 13 aswell as the start-up electric power for the power generation portion 12or the output control portion 14. Furthermore, in the above-describedfuel cell, since the electric power is directly generated by utilizingthe electrochemical reaction using the power generation fuel, theextremely high power generation efficiency can be realized. Also, thepower generation fuel can be effectively utilized and the powergeneration module including the sub power supply portion can beminimized. Moreover, since vibrations or noises are not generated, thisstructure can be utilized for extensive devices as similar to thegeneral-purpose primary cell or secondary cell.

In the fuel cell in this structural example, although description hasbeen given on only the application of methanol as the power generationfuel supplied from the fuel pack 20A, the present invention is notrestricted thereto, and any of a liquid fuel, a liquefied fuel and a gasfuel including at least a hydrogen element can suffice. Specifically, itis possible to use an alcohol-based liquid fuel such as methanol,ethanol or butanol mentioned above, a liquefied fuel consisting ofhydrocarbon such as dimethyl ether, isobutene, natural gas (CNG), or agas fuel such as hydrogen gas. In particular, it is possible toexcellently apply such a fuel which is in the gas state underpredetermined environmental conditions such as an ordinary temperatureor a normal pressure when supplied from the fuel pack 20A to the subpower supply portion 11A.

(Second Structural Example of Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing a second structural example of the subpower supply portion applicable to the power generation module accordingto this embodiment.

In the second structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion has a structure as a power generation device which drivesa pressure drive engine (gas turbine) by the pressure energy (chargedpressure or gas pressure) of the power generation fuel included in thefuel pack 20A and converts the drive energy into electric power.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the sub power supply portion 11B accordingto this structural example includes: a movable blade 122 a configured insuch a manner that a plurality of blades are curved in a predeterminedcircumferential direction, arranged in the circumferential direction soas to extend in the substantially radial manner and capable of rotation;a power generator 125 which is directly connected to the center ofrotation of the movable blade 122 a and converts the rotation energy ofthe movable blade 122 a into electric power based on the principle ofknown electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion; a fixedblade 122 b configured in such a manner that a plurality of blades arecurved in an opposite direction from that of the movable blade 122 aalong the outer peripheral side of the movable blade 122 a, arrangedsubstantially radially, and relatively fixed with respect to the movableblade 122 a; a suction control portion 123 for controlling supply of thevaporized power generation fuel (fuel gas) to the gas turbine 122 madeup of the movable blade 122 a and the fixed blade 122 b; and an exhaustcontrol portion 124 for controlling exhaust of the power generation fuelafter passing through the gas turbine 122. Here, as to the structure ofthe sub power supply portion 11B constituted by the gas turbine 122, thesuction control portion 123 and the exhaust control portion 124, the subpower supply portion 11B can be integrated and formed in, for example, asmall space on a single silicon chip 121 by applying micro-fabricationtechnique and others accumulated by the semiconductor manufacturingtechnology and the like, which is a so-called micromachine manufacturingtechnique. In FIG. 6A, in order to clarify the structure of the gasturbine 122, although the movable blade 122 a and the fixed blade 122 bare exposed for the sake of convenience, they are actually covered witha cover provided in the upper part except for the center of the movableblade as shown in FIG. 6B.

In such a sub power supply portion 11B, for example, as shown in FIG.6B, when the fuel gas with the high pressure obtained by vaporizing theliquid fuel charged in the fuel pack 20 is sucked (see arrows P2) fromthe fixed blade 122 b side toward the movable blade 122 a side of thegas turbine 122 through the suction control portion 123, a vortex flowof the fuel gas is generated along the curving direction of the fixedblade 122 b, and the movable blade 122 a is rotated in a predetermineddirection by the vortex flow, thereby driving the power generator 125.As a result, the pressure energy of the fuel gas is converted intoelectric power through the gas turbine 122 and the power generator 125.

That is, the power generation fuel applied to the sub power supplyportion 11B according to this structural example is sucked in the stateof the high-pressure gas at least when the suction control portion 123is opened and the fuel is sucked into the gas turbine 122, and themovable blade 122 a is rotated in a predetermined direction with apredetermined rotational speed (or a number of revolutions) by flowageof the gas based on a pressure difference caused when the exhaustcontrol portion 124 is opened and the gas in the gas turbine 122 isemitted toward the lower air pressure side, e.g., outside air having anordinary pressure, thereby generating predetermined electric power inthe power generator 125.

The fuel gas which has contributed to rotation of the movable blade 122a and whose pressure has been reduced (pressure energy has beenconsumed) is emitted to the outside of the sub power supply portion 11Bthrough the exhaust control portion 124. Incidentally, in the powergeneration module 10A shown in FIG. 3, although description has beengiven as to the structure for directly discharging the fuel gas (exhaustgas) emitted from the sub power supply portion 11 to the outside of thepower supply system 301, the present invention is not restricted theretoand may have a structure for reusing the fuel gas as the powergeneration fuel in the power generation portion 12 as will be explainedin the following embodiment.

In the sub power supply portion 11B according to this structuralexample, therefore, the power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL suppliedfrom the fuel pack 20A does not need to necessarily have thecombustibility (or the inflammability) and, in the structure fordirectly discharging the fuel gas utilized for generation of electricpower to the outside of the power supply system 301 in particular, it isdesirable for the power generation fuel to have the incombustibility orthe flame resistance and no toxicity when taking emission of the powergeneration fuel FL as the exhaust gas into consideration. Incidentally,it is needless to say that the flame resisting processing or thedetoxication processing is required before emitting the exhaust gas tothe outside if the power generation fuel consists of a substance havingthe combustibility or including a toxic component.

As in the sub power supply portion 11B according to this structuralexample, in the structure for generating electric power based on thepressure energy of the fuel gas, the fuel gas only passes through thesub power supply portion 11B (gas turbine 122), and a by-product (forexample, water) is not generated as with the electrochemical reaction inthe above-described fuel cell. Thus, when a substance having theincombustibility or the flame resistance but no toxicity is applied asthe power generation fuel or when there is adopted a structure forperforming the flame resisting processing or the detoxication processingbefore emitting the power generation fuel to the outside of the powersupply system 301 even if the power generation fuel is a substancehaving the flame resistance or the toxicity, it is not necessary toprovide means for collecting the exhaust gas.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to thesub power supply portion, as similar to the first structural examplementioned above, the power generation fuel with the high pressure (fuelgas) FL can be automatically fed to the sub power supply portion 11B(gas turbine 122) through the I/F portion 30A by only the very simpleoperation, i.e., coupling the fuel pack 20A with the power generationmodule 10A, and the power generation operation can be started andcontinued. Also, predetermined electric power can be always autonomouslygenerated by the sub power supply portion 11B as long as supply of thepower generation fuel FL continues, thereby supplying this electricpower to predetermined structures inside and outside the power supplysystem 301.

(Third Structural Example of Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIGS. 7A to 7C are views showing a third structural example of the subpower supply portion applicable to the power generation module accordingto this embodiment.

In the third structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion has a structure as a power generation device which drivesa pressure drive engine (rotary engine) by the pressure energy (chargedpressure or gas pressure) of the power generation fuel FL charged in thefuel pack 20A and converts the drive energy into electric power.

As shown in the drawings, the sub power supply portion 11C according tothe third structural example includes: a housing 131 having an operationspace 131 a whose cross section is substantially elliptical; a rotor 132which rotates around a central shaft 133 along the inner wall of theoperation space 131 a and has a substantially triangular cross section;and a power generator (not shown) directly connected to the centralshaft 133. Here, as to the structure of the sub power supply portion11C, the sub power supply portion 11C can be integrated and formed in,for example, a small space of the millimeter order by applying themicromachine manufacturing technique as similar to each embodimentmentioned above.

In the sub power supply portion 11C having such a structure, theoperation space 131 a is maintained at a substantially ordinarytemperature. When the fuel is charged in the liquid form into theoperation space 131 a from an inlet 134 a, the fuel is vaporized andexpanded, and a difference in atmospheric pressure is generated inrespective operation chambers formed by the inner wall of the operationspace 131 a and the rotor 132 by controlling the outlet 134 b side to alow pressure, e.g., an ordinary pressure. As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C,the inner periphery of the rotor 132 is rotated along the outerperiphery of the central shaft 133 with the pressure of the fuel gas byflowage of the vaporized fuel gas from the inlet 134 a to the outlet 134b (arrows P3). As a result, the pressure energy of the fuel gas isconverted into the rotational energy of the central shaft 133 and thenconverted into electric power by the power generator connected to thecentral shaft 133.

Here, as the power generator applied to this structural example, it ispossible to excellently apply a power generator using the knownprinciple of, e.g., electromagnetic induction or piezoelectricconversion as similar to the second structural example mentioned above.

In this structural example, since there is also employed the structurefor generating electric power based on the pressure energy of the fuelgas, the fuel gas only passes through the sub power supply portion 11C(operation space 131 a in the housing 131) in order to generate electricpower, and hence the fuel gas does not need to necessarily have thecombustibility (or inflammability) as the power generation fuel. It ispossible to excellently apply the fuel gas as long as it is a substancewhich becomes the high-pressure fuel gas that is vaporized and expandedto a predetermined cubic volume at least under predeterminedenvironmental conditions such as an ordinary temperature or an ordinarypressure when supplied to the sub power supply portion 11C.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to thesub power supply portion, therefore, as similar to each embodimentmentioned above, the high-pressure power generation fuel (fuel gas) FLis automatically fed to the sub power supply portion 11C (operationspace 131 a) through the I/F portion 30A by only the very simpleoperation, i.e., coupling the fuel pack 20A with the power generationmodule 10A, and the power generation operation can be started andcontinued. Also, predetermined electric power can be always autonomouslygenerated by the sub power supply portion 11C as long as supply of thepower generation fuel FL continues, thereby supplying the electric powerto predetermined structures inside and outside the power supply system301.

(Fourth Structural Example of Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIGS. 8A to 8C are schematic structural views showing a fourthstructural example of the sub power supply portion applicable to thepower generation module according to this embodiment.

In the fourth structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion has a structure as a power generation device whichgenerates electric power by thermoelectric conversion power generationutilizing a difference in temperature caused due to generation of thethermal energy based on the catalytic combustion reaction of the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the sub power supply portion 11D according to thefourth structural example has a structure of a temperature differencepower generator generally including: a catalytic combustion portion 141for generating the thermal energy by subjecting the power generationfuel FL to catalytic combustion; a fixed temperature portion 142 forholding a substantially fixed temperature; and a thermoelectricconversion element 143 connected between first and second temperatureends, the catalytic combustion portion 141 being determined as the firsttemperature end and the fixed temperature portion 142 as the secondtemperature end. Here, as shown in FIG. 8B, the thermoelectricconversion element 143 has a structure that ends of two types ofsemiconductors or metals (which will be referred to as “metal or thelike” hereinafter for the sake of convenience) MA and MB are joined toeach other (for example, the metal or the like MB is joined to the bothends of the metal or the like MA) and respective joint portions N1 andN2 are respectively connected to the catalytic combustion portion 141(first temperature end) and the fixed temperature portion 142 (secondtemperature end). The fixed temperature portion 142 has, for example, astructure that it is constantly exposed to outside air through anopening portion or the like provided to the device DVC to which thepower supply system 301 is attached and maintains a substantially fixedtemperature. As to the structure of the sub power supply portion 11Dconsisting of the illustrated temperature difference power generator, assimilar to each embodiment mentioned above, the sub power supply portion11D can be integrated and formed in a small space by applying themicromachine manufacturing technique.

In the sub power supply portion 11D having such a structure, as shown inFIG. 8C, when the power generation fuel (combustion gas) FL charged inthe fuel pack 20A is supplied to the catalytic combustion portion 141through the I/F portion 30A, heat is generated by the catalyticcombustion reaction, and a temperature of the catalytic combustionportion 141 (first temperature end) is increased. On the other hand,since the fixed temperature portion 142 is configured to maintain itstemperature substantially constant, a difference in temperature isgenerated between the catalytic combustion portion 141 and the fixedtemperature portion 142. Then, predetermined electromotive force isgenerated and electric power is produced by the Seebeck effect in thethermoelectric conversion element 143 based on this difference intemperature.

Specifically, in cases where a temperature in the first temperature end(joint portion N1) is defined as Ta and that in the second temperatureend (joint portion N2) as Tb (<Ta), if a difference between thetemperatures Ta and Tb is small, a voltage of Vab=Sab×(Ta−Tb) isgenerated between output terminals Oa and Ob shown in FIG. 8B. Here, Sabdenotes a relative Seebeck coefficient of the metals or the like MA andMB.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to thesub power supply portion, therefore, as similar to each structuralexample mentioned above, the power generation fuel (a liquid fuel or aliquefied fuel or a gas fuel) is automatically fed to the sub powersupply portion 11D (catalytic combustion portion 141) through the I/Fportion 30A by only the very simple operation, i.e., coupling the fuelpack 20A with the power generation module 10A, the thermal energyinvolved by the catalytic combustion reaction is generated, and thepower generation operation by the temperature difference power generatorcan be started and continued. Also, predetermined electric power can bealways autonomously generated by the sub power supply portion 11D aslong as supply of the power generation fuel FL continues, therebysupplying this electric power to predetermined structures inside andoutside the power supply system 301.

Although description has been given as to the temperature differencepower generator which generates electric power by the Seebeck effectbased on a difference in temperature between the catalytic combustionportion 141 and the fixed temperature portion 142 in this structuralexample, the present invention is not restricted thereto and may have astructure that electric power is generated based on the thermionicemission phenomenon by which free electrons are emitted from the metalsurface by heating the metal.

(Fifth Structural Example of Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views showing a fifth structural example of the subpower supply portion applicable to the power generation module accordingto this embodiment.

In the fifth structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion has a structure as a power generation device whichgenerates electric power by thermoelectric conversion power generationutilizing a difference in temperature caused when the power generationfuel (liquid fuel) FL charged in the fuel pack 20A absorbs the thermalenergy based on the evaporation reaction.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the sub power supply portion 11E according to thefifth structural example has a structure of a temperature differencepower generator generally including: a heat and cold holding portion 151for holding heat and cold realized by absorbing the thermal energy whenthe power generation fuel (liquefied fuel in particular) FL isvaporized; a fixed temperature portion 152 for maintaining asubstantially fixed temperature; and a thermoelectric conversion element153 connected between first and second temperature ends, the heat andcold holding portion 151 being determined as a first temperature end andthe fixed temperature portion 152 as the second temperature end. Here,the thermoelectric conversion element 153 has the structure equivalentto that shown in the fourth structural example (see FIG. 8B) mentionedabove. Moreover, the fixed temperature portion 152 is configured tomaintain a substantially fixed temperature by being brought into contactwith or exposed to other areas inside and outside the power supplysystem 301. Incidentally, as to the structure of the sub power supplyportion 11E consisting of the temperature difference power generatorshown in the drawings, the sub power supply portion 11E is integratedand formed in a small space as similar to each structural examplementioned above.

In the sub power supply portion 11E having such a structure, as shown inFIG. 9B, when the power generation fuel (liquefied fuel) FL charged inthe fuel pack 20A under a predetermined pressure condition is suppliedto the sub power supply portion 11E through the I/F portion 30A andtransferred to predetermined environmental conditions such as anordinary temperature or an ordinary pressure, the power generation fuelFL is vaporized. At this moment, the thermal energy is absorbed from thecircumference, and a temperature of the heat and cold holding portion151 is lowered. On the other hand, since the fixed temperature portion152 is configured to maintain its temperature substantially constant, adifference in temperature is generated between the heat and cold holdingportion 151 and the fixed temperature portion 152. Then, predeterminedelectromotive force is generated and electric power is produced by theSeebeck effect in the thermoelectric conversion element 153 based onthis difference in temperature, as similar to the fourth structuralexample mentioned above.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to thesub power supply portion, therefore, as similar to each structuralexample mentioned above, the power generation fuel (liquefied fuel) FLis automatically fed to the sub power generation portion 11E through theI/F portion 30A by only the very simple operation, i.e., coupling thefuel pack 20A with the power generation module 10A, the thermal energyis absorbed by the vaporization reaction to produce heat and cold, andthe power generation operation by the temperature difference powergenerator can be started and continued. Also, predetermined electricpower can be always autonomously generated by the sub power supplyportion 11E as long as supply of the power generation fuel FL continues,thereby supplying this electric power to predetermined structures insideand outside the power supply system 301.

In this structural example, although description has been given as tothe temperature difference power generator which generates electricpower by the Seebeck effect based on a difference in temperature betweenthe heat and cold holding portion 151 and the fixed temperature portion152, the present invention is not restricted thereto and may have astructure for generating electric power based on the thermionic emissionphenomenon.

(Sixth Structural Example of Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIG. 10 is a view showing a sixth structural example of the sub powersupply portion applicable to the power generation module according tothis embodiment.

In the sixth structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion has a structure as a power generation device whichgenerates electric power by utilizing the biochemical reaction relativeto the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20A.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sub power supply portion 11F according to thesixth structural example generally includes: a bio-culture tank 161 inwhich microbes or a biocatalyst (which will be referred to as “microbesor the like” hereinafter for the sake of convenience) BIO which growwith the power generation fuel as a source of nutrition is stored; andan anode side electrode 161 a and a cathode side electrode 161 bprovided in the bio-culture tank 161. In such a structure, by supplyingthe power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack 20A through the I/Fportion 30A, metabolism and the like (biochemical reaction) such asaspiration by the microbes or the like BIO is produced in thebio-culture tank 161 and the electron (e⁻) is generated. Capturing thiselectron by the anode side electrode 161 a can obtain predeterminedelectric power from output terminals Oa and Ob.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to thesub power supply portion, therefore, as similar to each structuralexample mentioned above, the power generation fuel FL which can be asource of nutrition for the microbes or the like BIO is automaticallyfed to the sub power supply portion 11F (bio-culture tank 161) throughthe I/F portion 30A by only the very simple operation, i.e., couplingthe fuel pack 20A with the power generation module 10A, and the powergeneration operation by the biochemical reaction of the microbes or thelike BIO is started. Also, predetermined electric power can be alwaysautonomously generated as long as supply of the power generation fuelcontinues, thereby supplying this electric power to predeterminedstructures inside and outside the power supply system 301.

In the biochemical reaction, in case of generating electric power byutilizing photosynthesis by the microbes or the like BIO, predeterminedelectric power can be constantly autonomously generated and supplied byadopting, for example, a structure that the outside light can enterthrough an opening portion or the like provided to the device DVC towhich the power supply system 301 is attached.

(Seventh Structural Example of Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIGS. 11A and 11B are views showing a seventh structural example of thesub power supply portion applicable to the power generation moduleaccording to this embodiment.

In the seventh structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion has a structure as a power generation device whichconverts the vibration energy produced by fluid movement of the powergeneration fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20A into electric power.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the sub power supply portion 11G according to theseventh structural example has a structure as an oscillation powergenerator generally including: a cylindrical oscillator 171 which isconfigured in such a manner that at least its one end side can oscillatewhen the power generation fuel consisting of a liquid or gas moves in apredetermined direction and has an electromagnetic coil 173 provided atits oscillation end 171 a; and a stator 172 which is inserted into thisoscillator, has a permanent magnet 174 provided so as to be opposed tothe electromagnetic coil 173 and produces no oscillation relative tomovement of the power generation fuel. In such a structure, as shown inFIG. 11B, by supplying the power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack20A through the I/F portion 30A, the oscillator 171 (oscillation end 171a) produces oscillation with a predetermined number of oscillations withrespect to the stator 172 in a direction (arrow P4 in the drawing)substantially orthogonal to the flowing direction of the powergeneration fuel FL. The relative position between the permanent magnet174 and the electromagnetic coil 173 is changed by this oscillation, andelectromagnetic induction is thereby generated, thus obtainingpredetermined electric power through the electromagnetic coil 173.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to thesub power supply portion, therefore, as similar to each structuralexample mentioned above, the power generation fuel FL as a fluid isautomatically fed to the sub power supply portion 11G through the I/Fportion 30A by only the very simple operation, i.e., coupling the fuelpack 20A with the power generation module 10A, and the power generationoperation by conversion of the oscillation energy of the oscillator 171involved by fluid movement is started. Also, predetermined electricpower can be constantly autonomously generated as long as supply of thepower generation fuel FL continues, thereby supplying the electric powerto predetermined structures inside and outside the power supply system301.

Each structural example mentioned above only illustrates an instance ofthe sub power supply portion 11 applied to the power generation module10A and is not intended to restrict the structure of the power supplysystem according to the present invention. In brief, the sub powersupply portion 11 applied to the present invention may have any otherstructure as long as electric power can be generated inside the subpower supply portion 11 based on the energy conversion action such asthe electrochemical reaction, electromagnetic induction, heat generationor a difference in temperature involved by the endothermic reaction whenthe liquid fuel or the liquefied fuel or the gas fuel charged in thefuel pack 20A is directly supplied. For example, it may be a combinationof a gas pressure drive engine other than the gas turbine or the rotaryengine with the power generator utilizing electro-magnetic induction orpiezoelectric conversion. Alternatively, as will be described later, itis possible to apply the structure that electric power condensing means(condensing device) is provided in addition to the power generationdevice equivalent to each sub power supply portion 11 mentioned above,electric power (second electric power) generated by the sub power supplyportion 11 is partially accumulated, and then it can be supplied asstart-up electric power to the power generation portion 12 or the outputcontrol portion 14 when starting up the power supply system 301 (powergeneration portion 12).

(Eighth Structural Example of Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIG. 12, FIGS. 13 to 15, and FIGS. 16 to 18 are schematic structuralviews showing the eighth structural example and the operation state ofthe sub power supply portion applicable to the power generation moduleaccording to this embodiment, and arrows along wirings in the drawingsindicate directions in which the electric current flows.

As shown in FIG. 12, the sub power supply portion 11H according to theeighth structural example is configured to generally include: a powergeneration device (for example, the sub power supply portion describedin each structural example mentioned above) 181 capable of autonomouslygenerating electric power (second electric power) when the powergeneration fuel (a liquid fuel or a liquefied fuel or a gas fuel) FLcharged in the fuel pack 20 is directly supplied through a fueltransport pipe provided to the I/F portion 30 by the capillaryphenomenon; a charge storage portion 182 which stores a part of theelectric power generated by the power generation device 181 and consistsof a secondary cell, a capacitor or the like; and a switch 183 forswitching and setting storage and discharge of the electric power to thecharge storage portion 182 based on an operation control signal from theoperation control portion 13.

In such a structure, the electric power generated by the powergeneration device 181 which is constantly driven while supply of thepower generation fuel from the fuel pack continues is outputted as thecontroller electric power of the device DVC and the operating electricpower of the operation control portion 13, and a part of this electricpower is appropriately stored in the charge storage portion 182 throughthe switch 183. Subsequently, for example, when the operation controlportion 13 detects start of drive of the device DVC (load LD) bydetecting a change in voltage of the supply electric power through thevoltage monitoring portion 16, the connection state of the switch 183 ischanged over based on the operation control signal outputted from theoperation control portion 13, and the electric power stored in thecharge storage portion 182 is supplied as electromotive force to thepower generation portion 12 or the output control portion 14.

Here, when the charge in the charge storage portion 182 consumed by thepower generation portion 12 or the output control portion 14 is reducedto some extent because the device DVC is driven for a long period oftime, it is possible to control in such a manner that the charge storageportion 182 can not be fully discharged by switching the powergeneration portion 12 so as to supply the electric power to the deviceDVC and the charge storage portion 182. In addition, the powergeneration device 181 may continuously charge the charge storage portion182 while the power generation portion 12 is supplying the electricpower to the device DVC. Incidentally, in the later-described secondembodiment, when applying this structural example as the sub powersupply portion 11, the operation control portion 13 detects drive of thedevice DVC (load LD) and outputs an operation control signal forswitching the connection state of the switch 183 by receiving through aterminal portion ELx load drive information which is outputted from thecontroller CNT of the device DVC and indicates that the load LD isactivated from the off state and switched to the on state.

According to the sub power supply portion having such a structure,therefore, even if the electric power generated per unit time by thepower generation device 181 is set lower (weak electric force), theelectric power having the sufficiently high drive electric powercharacteristic can be supplied to the power generation portion 12 or theoutput control portion 14 by instantaneously discharging the electricpower accumulated in the charge storage portion 182. Thus, since thepower generation capability of the power generation device 181 can beset sufficiently low, the structure of the sub power supply portion 11can be minimized.

As the sub power supply portion according to this structural example, asshown in FIGS. 13 to 15, it is possible to apply the structure in whichthe power generation device 181 is omitted and only the charge storageportion 182 consisting of a capacitor previously charged up is provided.

In FIGS. 13 to 15, the charge storage portion 182 has a function forsupplying electric power to the output control portion 14 by the switch183 a according to needs in addition to a function capable of constantlysupplying the controller electric power for the controller CNT and theload drive electric power for the load LD from a positive electrodeterminal EL (+) and a negative electrode terminal EL (−) to the deviceDVC.

The controller CNT has a function for causing the switch LS to be turnedon in order to supply electric power to the load LD when the device DVCis started up by an operation of a device DVC operator or for somereason.

The operation control portion 13 has a function for detecting thestorage state of the electric charge in the charge storage portion 182.The operation control portion 13 turns on the switch 183 a, drives theoutput control portion 14 and starts up the power generation portion 12only when an amount of the stored electric charge in the charge storageportion 182 is insufficient irrespective of the drive state of the loadLD.

In such a structure, FIG. 13 shows a circumstance that the switch LS isturned off because the load LD of the device DVC is not driven and is inthe standby mode, and the charge storage portion 182 supplies electricpower to the controller CNT. At this moment, since the charge storageportion 182 stores the electric charge which is sufficient for supplyinga predetermined quantity of electric power, the operation controlportion 13 turns off the switch 183 a.

FIG. 14 shows a circumstance that the standby mode is similarly set butthe operation control portion 13 detects reduction in a charge amount ofthe charge storage portion 182 below a predetermined quantity and turnson the switch 183 a. The output control portion 14 starts drive withelectric power from the charge storage portion 182 and supplies apredetermined quantity of fuel or the like from the fuel pack 20 to thepower generation portion 12. Also, the output control portion 14supplies electric power to the power generation portion 12 in such amanner the heater of the power generation portion 12 reaches apredetermined temperature in a predetermined time. As a result, thepower generation portion 12 generates electric power, the charge storageportion 182 enters the charge mode for storing the electric charge byusing this electric power and maintains the standby power discharge modein order to continue drive of the controller CNT. Then, from this state,when a predetermined amount of electric charge is stored in the chargestorage portion 182, the operation control portion 13 changes over theswitch 183 a to the off state as shown in FIG. 13 mentioned above.

FIG. 15 shows a case that the switch LS is turned on by the controllerCNT which has detected that the device DVC is started up by theoperation of a device DVC operator or for some reason. When theoperation control portion 13 detects that an amount of electric chargestored in the charge storage portion 182 is reduced below apredetermined amount with electric power consumption in the load LD andthe controller CNT of the device DVC, the operation control portion 13turns on the switch 183 a functioning as a start-up control portion, andthe output control portion 14 drives the power generation portion 12 togenerate power, thereby charging the charge storage portion 182. Then,when the electric charge is sufficiently charged in the electric chargestorage portion 182, the operation control portion 13 detects that stateand turns off the switch 183 a in order to stop power generation in thepower generation portion 12 and drive of the operation control portion13.

A threshold value corresponding to an amount of charging in the chargestorage portion 182 when the operation control portion 13 has detectedthat the switch 183 a must be turned on and a threshold valuecorresponding to an amount of charging in the charge storage portion 182when the same has detected that the switch 183 a must be turned off maybe set so as to be substantially equal to each other, and the thresholdvalue when turning off the switch 183 a may be set to be larger.

In the power supply system having such a structure, the structure andthe function operation of this system is different from theabove-described power supply system shown in FIG. 12 in that: the subpower supply portion itself does not have a function for generatingelectric power; the power generation portion 12 generates electric powerin accordance with the charging state of the charge storage portion 182irrespective of the drive state of the load LD; the operation controlportion 13 detects the charging state of the charge storage portion 182and then controls the switch 183 a; and the charge storage portion 182supplies electric power to the device DVC. Further, since the powersupply system has such a structure, it is good enough that the powergeneration portion 12 controls power generation and stop of powergeneration with only the charging state of the electric charge in thecharge storage portion 182 without obtaining load drive information fromthe controller CNT of he device DVC. Therefore, the terminal portion ELxfor inputting the load drive information is no longer necessary and thedual-electrode terminal structure can be adopted, which results in anadvantage of superiority in the compatibility with any other generalcell. Furthermore, since the charge storage portion 182 as the sub powersupply portion does not continuously consume the fuel in the fuel pack20 to generate electric power while the power generation portion 12 isstopped, there is also an advantage that the fuel in the fuel pack 20 isnot wastefully consumed. Moreover, there is also an advantage that thedevice DVC does not have to include a circuit for providing the loaddrive information from the controller CNT to the power supply system.

Still another power supply system having the charge storage type subpower supply portion according to this structural example will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.

In FIGS. 16 to 18, the charge storage portion 182 has a function forsupplying electric power to the output control portion 14 through theswitch 183 b according to needs in order to drive the power generationportion 12 in addition to the function for constantly supplying thecontroller electric power for the controller CNT from the positiveelectrode terminal EL (+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (−) tothe device DVC.

The controller CNT has a function for turning on the switch LS in orderto supply electric power to the load LD when the device DVC is activatedby an operation of a device DVC operator or for some reason.

The operation control portion 13 has a function for detection thestorage state of the electric charge in the charge storage portion 182.The operation control portion 13 turns on the switch 183 b and drivesthe output control portion 14 to cause the power generation portion 12to generate electric power only when an amount of electric charge storedin the charge storage portion 182 is not sufficient irrespective of thedrive state of the load LD. Moreover, the operation control portion 13turns on the switch 183 c and outputs the electric power generated inthe power generation portion 12 together with the electric power of thecharge storage portion 182 as the controller electric power for thecontroller CNT and the load drive electric power for the load LD.

FIG. 16 shows, in such a structure, a case that the operation controlportion 13 turns off the switch 183 (the switch 183 b and the switch 183c) and stops drive of the power generation portion 12 and the outputcontrol portion 14, and the charge storage portion 182 supplies electricpower to the controller CNT when the device DVC is in the standby modeand the operation control portion 13 determines that the charge storageportion 182 has the sufficient electric charge stored therein.

FIG. 17 shows a circumstance that, when the device DVC is in the standbymode and the operation control portion 13 determines that the electriccharge stored in the charge storage portion 182 is attenuated to apredetermined amount and progress of attenuation is slow because theload LD is not driven, the operation control portion 13 turns on theswitch 183 b and turns on the switch 183 c to supply drive electricpower from the charge storage portion 182 to the output control portion14, the output control portion 14 and the power generation portion 12are thereby driven, and the electric charge is stored in the chargestorage portion 182 with the electric power generated in the powergeneration portion 12. At this moment, the output control portion 14starts drive with the electric power from the charge storage portion182, supplies a predetermined amount of fuel or the like from the fuelpack 20 to the power generation portion 12, and supplies the electricpower to the power generation portion 12 so that the heater of the powergeneration portion 12 can reach a predetermined temperature in apredetermined time. Meanwhile, the charge storage portion 182 constantlysupplies the electric power to the controller CNT. Then, when apredetermined amount of the electric charge is stored in the chargestorage portion 182 from this state, as shown in FIG. 16 mentionedabove, the operation control portion 13 turns off the switch 183 (theswitch 183 b and the switch 183 c).

FIG. 18 shows a case that, with the load LD being driven by turning onthe switch LS by the controller CNT, when the operation control portion13 determines that the electric charge stored in the charge storageportion 182 is attenuated to a predetermined amount and progress ofattenuation is fast because the load LD is driven, the operation controlportion 13 turns on the switch 183 b and drives the output controlportion 14 to cause the power generation portion 12 to generate power,and the operation control portion 13 also turns on the switch 183 c andoutputs the electric power generated in the power generation portion 12together with the electric power from the charge storage portion 182 asthe controller electric power for the controller CNT and the load drivepower for the load LD. An amount of electric power generated per unittime in the power generation portion 12 may be set to be larger than anamount when storing electric charge in the charge storage portion 182(charging) shown in FIG. 17.

<Power Generation Portion 12>

The power generation portion 12 applied to the power generation moduleaccording to this embodiment has, as shown in FIG. 3, a structure forgenerating predetermined electric power (first electric power) requiredfor driving the device DVC (load LD) by using the physical or chemicalenergy of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20based on the start-up control by the operation control portion 13. As aconcrete structure of the power generation portion 12, it is possible toapply various kinds of conformation, for example, one using theelectro-chemical reaction using the power generation fuel FL suppliedfrom the fuel pack 20 (fuel cell), one using the thermal energy involvedby the combustion reaction (temperature difference power generation),one using the dynamic energy conversion action or the like forgenerating electric power by rotating the power generator by using thepressure energy involved by the combustion reaction or the like(internal combustion/external combustion engine power generation), orone for converting the fluid energy or the thermal energy of the powergeneration fuel FL into electric power by utilizing the principle ofelectromagnetic induction or the like (electromagnetic fluid mechanismpower generator, thermoacoustic effect power generator, or the like).

Here, since the electric power (first electric power) generated by thepower generation portion 12 is the main power supply for driving variousfunctions (load LD) of the entire device DVC, the drive powercharacteristic is highly set. Therefore, when the above-described subpower supply portion 11 (charge storage portion 182) supplies thecontroller electric power of the device DVC or the operating electricpower or the like for the operation control portion 13, the outputcontrol portion 14 and the power generation portion 12 and the powergeneration portion 12 supplies the load drive electric power for theload LD, the electric power supplied from the sub power supply portion11 (second electric power) is different from the electric power suppliedfrom the power generation portion 12 in property.

Each concrete example will now be briefly described hereinafter withreference to the drawings.

(First Structural Example of Power Generation Portion)

FIG. 19 is a view showing a first structural example of the powergeneration portion applicable to the power generation module accordingto this embodiment, and FIGS. 20A and 20B are views showing a hydrogengeneration process in the fuel reforming portion applied to the powergeneration portion according to this structural example. Here,description will be given by appropriately making reference to thestructure of the above-described power supply system (FIG. 3).

In the first structural example, as a concrete example, the powergeneration portion has a structure of a proton-exchange membrane fuelcell adopting a fuel reforming system by which the power generation fuelFL supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the output control portion 14is used and electric power is generated by the electrochemical reaction.

As shown in FIG. 19, the power generation portion 12A is configured toroughly include: a fuel reforming portion (fuel reformer) 210 a forextracting a predetermined fuel component (hydrogen) contained in thepower generation fuel FL by utilizing a predetermined reforming reactionrelative to the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack20A; and a fuel cell portion 210 b for generating a predeterminedelectric power (first electric power) for driving the load 214 (thedevice DVC or the load LD) by the electrochemical reaction utilizing thefuel component extracted by the fuel reforming portion 210 a.

As shown in FIG. 20A, a vapor reforming reaction portion 210X of thefuel reforming portion 210 a generally extracts the fuel component fromthe power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A via theoutput control portion 14 through each process consisting of evaporationand vapor reforming reactions. For example, in case of generatinghydrogen gas (H₂) with methanol (CH₃OH) and water (H₂O) being used asthe power generation fuel FL, in a vapor step, methanol (CH₃OH) andwater (H₂O) are first vaporized by setting methanol and water as theliquid fuel in the atmosphere under a temperature condition ofapproximately a boiling point by the heater controlled by the outputcontrol portion 14.

Then, in the vapor reforming reaction process, by setting an atmosphereunder a temperature condition of approximately 300° C. for vaporizedmethanol (CH₃OH) and water (H₂O) by using the heater, the thermal energyof 49.4 kJ/mol is absorbed, and hydrogen (H₂) and a small amount ofcarbon dioxide (CO₂) are generated as indicated by the followingchemical equation (3). In the vapor reforming process, a small amount ofcarbon monoxide (CO) may be generated as a by-product besides hydrogen(H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).CH₃OH+H₂O→3H₂+CO₂  (3)

Here, as shown in FIG. 20B, a selected oxidation catalyst portion 210 Yfor eliminating carbon monoxide (CO) generated as a by-product in thevapor reforming reaction may be provided at the rear stage of the vaporreforming reaction portion 210X so that carbon monoxide (CO) can beconverted into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen (H₂) through therespective processes consisting of the aqueous shift reaction and theselected oxidation reaction, thereby suppressing emission of harmfulsubstances. Specifically, in the aqueous shift reaction process in theselected oxidation catalyst portion 210Y, the thermal energy of 40.2kJ/mol is generated by causing water (vapor; H₂O) to react with carbonmonoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen (H₂) are generatedas indicated by the following chemical equation (4).CO+H₂O→CO₂+H₂  (4)

Additionally, a selected oxidation reaction portion 210Z may be providedat the rear stage of the selected oxidation catalyst portion 210Y. Inthe selected oxidation reaction process, the thermal energy of 283.5kJ/mol is generated by causing oxygen (O₂) to react with carbon monoxide(CO) which has not been converted into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen(H₂) by the aqueous shift reaction, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) isgenerated as indicated by the following chemical equation (5). Thisselected oxidation reaction portion 210Z may be provided at the rearstage of the vapor reforming reaction portion 210X.CO+(½)O₂→CO₂  (5)

A small amount of product (mainly carbon dioxide) other than hydrogengenerated by a series of fuel reforming reactions mentioned above isemitted into air through an emission hole (not shown; this will bedescribed later in the concrete structural example) provided to thepower generation module 10A.

The concrete structure of the fuel reforming portion having such afunction will be explained later in the following concrete structuralexample together with other structures.

As shown in FIG. 19, as similar to the fuel direct supply type fuel cellapplied to the above-described sub power supply portion 11, the fuelcell portion 210 b generally includes: a fuel electrode (cathode) 211consisting of a carbon electrode to which catalyst fine particles of,e.g., platinum, palladium, platinruthenium adhere; an air electrode(anode) 212 consisting of a carbon electrode to which catalyst fineparticles of, e.g., platinum adhere; and a film-like ion conductivemembrane (exchange membrane) interposed between the fuel electrode 211and the air electrode 212. Here, hydrogen gas (H₂) extracted by the fuelreforming portion 210 a is supplied to the fuel electrode 211 from thepower generation fuel FL whose amount supplied is controlled by thelater-described output control portion 14, meanwhile oxygen gas (O₂) inair is supplied to the air electrode 212. As a result, power generationis carried out by the following electrochemical reaction, and electricpower which can be predetermined drive electric power (voltage/electriccurrent) is supplied to the load 214 (the load LD of the device DVC).Further, a part of the electric power generated in the fuel cell portion210 b is supplied to the fuel control portion 14 a and/or the heatercontrol portion 14 e according to needs.

Specifically, as an example of the electrochemical reaction in the powergeneration portion 12 in this structural example, when hydrogen gas (H₂)is supplied to the fuel electrode 211, the electron (e⁻) is separated bythe catalysis at the fuel electrode 211, the hydrogen ion (proton; H⁺)is generated and passes to the air electrode 212 side through the ionconductive membrane 213, and the electron (e⁻) is taken out by thecarbon electrode constituting the fuel electrode 211 and supplied to theload 214, as indicated by the following chemical equation (6).3H₂→6H⁺+6e⁻  (6)

When air is supplied to the air electrode 212, the electron (e⁻) whichhas passed through the load 214 by the catalysis at the air electrode212, the hydrogen ion (H⁺) which has passed through the ion conductivemembrane, and the oxygen gas (O₂) in air react with each other, andwater (H₂O) is thereby generated, as indicated by the following chemicalequation (7).6H⁺+( 3/2)O₂+6e⁻→3H₂O  (7)

Such a series of the electrochemical reactions (chemical equations (6)and (7)) proceeds in the relatively low temperature environment ofapproximately 60 to 80° C., and the by-product other than the electricpower (load drive electric power) is basically only water (H₂O). Here,by collecting water (H₂O) as a by-product generated at the air electrode212 and supplying a necessary amount of water to the fuel reformingportion 210 a mentioned above, water can be reused for the fuelreforming reaction or the aqueous shift reaction of the power generationfuel FL, an amount of water (H₂O) stored (charged) in the fuel pack 20Ain advance for the fuel reforming reaction can be greatly reduced, and acollection amount in by-product collecting means which is provided inthe fuel pack 20A and collects by-products can be considerablydecreased. It is to be noted that the structure of the by-productcollecting means for collecting and reusing the by-product such as water(H₂O) generated at the air electrode 212 will be described latertogether with the by-product collecting means in the above-described subpower supply portion 11.

The electric power produced by the above-described electrochemicalreaction and supplied to the load 214 depends on an amount of hydrogengas (H₂) supplied to the power generation portion 12A (the fuelelectrode 211 of the fuel cell portion 210 b). The electric powersupplied to the device DVC can be arbitrarily adjusted by controlling anamount of the power generation fuel FL (substantially hydrogen gas)supplied to the power generation portion 12 through the output controlportion 14 and, for example, it can be set so as to be equivalent to oneof general-purpose chemical cells.

With application of the fuel reforming type fuel cell having such astructure to the power generation portion, since arbitrary electricpower can be effectively generated by controlling an amount of thesupplied power generation fuel FL by the output control portion 14, anappropriate power generation operation according to the drive state ofthe device DVC (load LD) can be realized based on the load driveinformation. Furthermore, with application of the structure as the fuelcell, since electric power can be directly produced from the powergeneration fuel FL by the electrochemical reaction, the very high powergeneration efficiency can be realized, and the power generation fuel FLcan be effectively used or the power generation module 10A including thepower generation portion 12 can be minimized.

As similar to the sub power supply portion 11 (see the first structuralexample) mentioned above, although description has been given on onlythe case that methanol is applied as the power generation fuel FL, thepresent invention is not restricted thereto, and a liquid fuel or aliquefied fuel or a gas fuel including at least a hydrogen element cansuffice. It is, therefore, possible to excellently apply analcohol-based liquid fuel such as methanol, ethanol or butanol, aliquefied fuel consisting of hydrocarbon which can be vaporized at anordinary temperature under an ordinary pressure such as dimethyl ether,isobutene or natural gas, a gas fuel such as hydrogen gas, or the like.

Here, in case of using liquefied hydrogen or hydrogen gas as it is asthe power generation fuel FL, it is possible to adopt the structure bywhich the power generation fuel FL whose amount supplied is solelycontrolled by the output control portion 14 is directly supplied to thefuel cell portion 210 b without requiring a fuel reforming portion 210 asuch as described in this structural example. Furthermore, although onlythe fuel reforming type fuel cell has been described as the structure ofthe power generation portion 12, the present invention is not restrictedthereto. As similar to the above-described sub power supply portion (seefirst structural example) 11, although the electric power generationefficiency is low, the fuel direct supply type fuel cell may be applied,and a liquid fuel, a liquefied fuel, a the gas fuel or the like may beused in order to generate electric power.

(Second Structural Example of Power Generation Portion)

FIGS. 21A and 21B are views showing a second structural example of thepower generation portion applicable to the power generation moduleaccording to this embodiment.

In the second structural example, as a concrete example, the powergeneration portion has a structure as a power generation device whichuses the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20Athrough the output control portion 14, drives the gas combustion turbine(internal combustion engine) by the pressure energy involved by thecombustion reaction and converts the drive energy into electric power.

As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the power generation portion 12Baccording to this structural example generally includes: a movable blade222 configured in such a manner that a plurality of blades are curved ina predetermined direction on the circumference, and suction blades 222in and exhaust blades 222out which are arranged on the circumference tosubstantially radially extend are coaxially connected to each other andcapable of rotating; a fixed blade 223 consisting of suction blades 223in and exhaust blades 223out, which is configured in such a manner thata plurality of blades are curved in an opposite direction to that of themovable blade 222 (the suction blades 222 in and the exhaust blades222out) along the outer peripheral side of the movable blade 222,arranged on the circumference to substantially radially extend and fixedrelatively to the movable blade 222; a combustion chamber 224 forburning the power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL sucked by the movableblade 222 with a predetermined timing; an ignition portion 225 forigniting the fuel gas sucked into the combustion chamber 224; a powergenerator 228 which is connected to the rotation center of the movableblade 222 and converts the rotational energy of the movable blade 222into electric power based on the principle of known electromagneticinduction or piezoelectric conversion; a suction control portion 226 forcontrolling supply (intake) of the vaporized fuel gas to the gascombustion turbine made up of the movable blade 222 and the fixed blade223; and an exhaust control portion 227 for controlling exhaust of thefuel gas (exhaust gas) after combustion in the gas combustion turbine.As to the structure of the power generation portion 12B including thegas combustion turbine, the suction control portion 226 and the exhaustcontrol portion 227, the power generation portion 12B can be integratedand formed in a small space of the millimeter order on, e.g., a siliconchip 221 by applying the micromachine manufacturing technique as similarto the above-described sub power supply portion 11. In FIG. 21A, inorder to clarify the structure of the gas combustion turbine, thesuction blades 222 in and 223 in are illustrated so as to be exposed forthe sake of convenience.

In such a power generation portion 12B, for example, as shown in FIG.21B, when the fuel gas sucked from the suction blades 222 in and 223 inside of the gas combustion turbine through the suction control portion226 is ignited by the ignition portion 225 in the combustion chamber 224with a predetermined timing, burned and emitted from the exhaust blades222out and 223out side (arrows P5), a vortex flow of the fuel gas isgenerated along the curved direction of the movable blade 222 and thefixed blade 223, and suction and exhaust of the fuel gas areautomatically carried out by the vortex flow. Furthermore, the movableblade 222 continuously rotates in a predetermined direction, therebydriving the power generator 228. Consequently, the fuel energy obtainedby the fuel gas is converted into electric power through the gascombustion turbine and the power generator 228.

Since the power generation portion 12B according to this structuralexample has a structure for generating electric power by using thecombustion energy of the fuel gas, the power generation fuel (fuel gas)FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A must have at least the ignitabilityor combustibility. For example, it is possible to excellently apply analcohol-based liquid fuel such as methanol, ethanol or butanol, aliquefied fuel consisting of hydrocarbon which is vaporized at anordinary temperature under an ordinary pressure such as dimethyl ether,isobutene or natural gas, or a gas fuel such as a hydrogen gas.

In case of applying the structure by which the fuel gas (exhaust gas)after combustion is directly exhausted to the outside of the powersupply system 301, it is needless to say that the flame resistingprocessing or the detoxication processing must be carried out beforeemitting the exhaust gas to the outside or means for collecting theexhaust gas must be provided if the exhaust gas contains a combustibleor toxic component.

By applying the gas combustion turbine having such a structure to thepower generation portion, as similar to the first structural exampledescribed above, since arbitrary electric power can be generated by thesimple control method for adjusting an amount of the power generationfuel FL to be supplied, an appropriate power generation operationaccording to the drive state of the device DVC can be realized.Furthermore, by applying the structure as the micro-fabricated gascombustion turbine, electric power can be generated with the relativelyhigh energy conversion efficiency, and the power generation module 10Aincluding the power generation portion 12 can be minimized whileeffectively utilizing the power generation fuel FL.

(Third Structural Example of Power Generation Portion)

FIGS. 22A to 22D are view for illustrating the operation of a thirdstructural example of the power generation portion applicable to thepower generation module according to this embodiment.

In the third structural example, as a concrete example, the powergeneration portion has a structure as a power generation device whichuses the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20Athrough the output control portion 14, drives a rotary engine (internalcombustion engine) by the pressure energy obtained by the combustionreaction and converts the drive energy into electric power.

As shown in these drawings, the power generation portion 12C accordingto the third structural example includes: a housing 231 having anoperation space 231 a whose cross section is substantially elliptical; arotor 232 which rotates while being eccentric along the inner wall ofthe operation space 231 a and has a substantially triangular crosssection; a known rotary engine provided with an ignition portion 234which ignites and burns the compressed fuel gas; and a power generator(not shown) directly connected to a central shaft 233. As to thestructure of the power generation portion 12C consisting of the rotaryengine, as similar to each structural example mentioned above, the powergeneration portion 12C can be integrated and formed in a small space byapplying the micromachine manufacturing technique.

In the power generation portion 12C having such a structure, byrepeating each stroke of suction, compression, combustion (explosion)and exhaust carried out by rotation of the rotor 232, the pressureenergy caused due to combustion of the fuel gas is converted into therotational energy and the converted energy is transmitted to the powergenerator. That is, in the suction stroke, as shown in FIG. 22A, thefuel gas is sucked from an inlet 235 a and charged into a predeterminedoperation chamber AS formed by the inner wall of the operation space 231a and the rotor 232. Subsequently, after the fuel gas in the operationchamber AS is compressed to have a high pressure in the compressionstroke as shown in FIG. 22B, the fuel gas is ignited and burned(exploded) by the ignition portion 234 with a predetermined timing inthe combustion stroke as shown in FIG. 22C, and the exhaust gas aftercombustion is emitted from the operation chamber AS through the outlet235 b in the exhaust stroke as shown in FIG. 22D. In this series ofdrive strokes, rotation of the rotor 232 in a predetermined direction(arrows P6) is maintained by the pressure energy involved by explosionand combustion of the fuel gas in the combustion stroke, andtransmission of the rotational energy to the central shaft 233 iscontinued. As a result, the combustion energy obtained by the fuel gasis converted into the rotational energy of the central shaft 233 andfurther converted into electric power by the power generator (not shown)connected to the central shaft 233.

As to the structure of the power generator in this example, a knownpower generator utilizing electro-magnetic induction or piezoelectricconversion can be applied as similar to the second structural examplementioned above.

In addition, since this structural example also has the structure forgenerating electric power based on the combustion energy of the fuelgas, the power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL must have at least theignitability or combustibility. Additionally, in case of applying thestructure for directly emitting the fuel gas after combustion (exhaustgas) to the outside of the power supply system 301, it can be understoodthat the flame resisting processing or the detoxication processing mustbe carried out before emitting the exhaust gas to the outside or meansfor collecting the exhaust gas must be provided if the exhaust gascontains a combustible or toxic substance.

By applying the rotary engine having such a structure to the powergeneration portion, as similar to each structural example mentionedabove, since arbitrary electric power can be generated by the simplecontrol method for adjusting an amount of the power generation fuel FLto be supplied, an appropriate power generation operation according tothe drive state of the device can be realized. Further, by applying thestructure as the micro-fabricated rotary engine, the power generationmodule 10A including the power generation portion 12 can be minimizedwhile generating electric power by the relatively simple structure andthe operation producing less vibration.

(Fourth Structural Example of Power Generation Portion)

FIGS. 23A and 23B are schematic structural views showing a fourthstructural example of the power generation portion applicable to thepower generation module according to this embodiment. Here, only thebasic structures (two-piston type and displacer type) of a knownstirling engine applied to the fourth structural example areillustrated, and the operation will be described in the simple manner.

In the fourth structural example, as a concrete example, the powergeneration portion has a structure as a power generation device whichuses the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20Athrough the output control portion 14, drives a stirling engine(external combustion engine) by the thermal energy obtained by thecombustion reaction and converts the drive energy into electric power.

In the power generation portion 12D according to the fourth structuralexample, as shown in FIG. 23A, the two-piston type stirling enginegenerally includes: a high-temperature (expansion) side cylinder 241 aand a low-temperature (compression) side cylinder 242 a which areconstituted to allow operative gas to reciprocate; a high-temperatureside piston 241 b and a low-temperature side piston 242 b which areprovided in these cylinders 241 a and 242 a and connected to a crankshaft 243 so as to reciprocate with a phase difference of 90°; a heater244 for heating the high-temperature side cylinder 241 a; a cooler 245for cooling the low-temperature side cylinder 242 a; a known stirlingengine provided with a fly wheel 246 connected to the shaft of the crankshaft 243; and a power generator (not shown) directly connected to thecrank shaft 243.

In the power generation portion 12D having such a structure, thehigh-temperature side cylinder 241 a is maintained to be constantlyheated by the thermal energy involved by combustion of the fuel gas,while the low-temperature side cylinder 242 a is maintained to beconstantly cooled by being brought into contact with or exposed to otherareas inside and outside the power supply system 301 such as outsideair, and each stroke of isochoric heating, isothermal expansion,isochoric cooling and isothermal compression is repeated. As a result,the kinetic energy for reciprocating the high-temperature side piston241 b and the low-temperature side piston 242 b is converted into therotational energy of the crank shaft 243 and transmitted to the powergenerator.

That is, in the isochoric heating process, when thermal expansion of theoperative gas is commenced and the high-temperature side piston 241 bstarts to move down, in the low-temperature side cylinder 242 a having asmall capacity which is a space communicating with the high-temperatureside cylinder 241 a, the low-temperature side piston 242 b moves up byreduction in pressure involved by sudden drop of the high-temperatureside piston 241 b, and the cooled operative gas of the low-temperatureside cylinder 242 a flows into the high-temperature side cylinder 241 a.Subsequently, in the isothermal expansion stroke, the cooled operativegas which has flowed into the high-temperature side cylinder 241 a issufficiently thermally expanded and increases the pressure of the spacein the high-temperature side cylinder 241 a and the low-temperature sidecylinder 242 a, and both the high-temperature side piston 241 b and thelow-temperature side piston 242 b move down.

Then, in the isochoric cooling stroke, the space in the low-temperatureside cylinder 242 a is increased by drop of the low-temperature sidepiston 242 b, and the space in the high-temperature side cylinder 241 ais contracted based on this. Furthermore, the high-temperature sidepiston 241 b moves up, and the operative gas of the high-temperatureside cylinder 241 a flows into the low-temperature side cylinder 242 aand is cooled. Thereafter, in the isothermal compression stroke, thecooled operative gas filled in the space within the low-temperature sidecylinder 242 a is contracted, and the both continuous spaces in thelow-temperature side cylinder 242 a and the high-temperature sidecylinder 241 a are reduced in pressure. Moreover, both thehigh-temperature side piston 241 b and the low-temperature side piston242 b move up, and the operative gas is compressed. In this series ofdrive strokes, rotation of the crank shaft 243 in a predetermineddirection (arrows P7) is maintained by due to heating and cooling of thefuel gas the reciprocating motion of the pistons. As a result, thepressure energy of the operative gas is converted into the rotationalenergy of the crank shaft 243 and then converted into electric power bythe power generator (not shown) connected to the crank shaft 243.

On the other hand, in the power generation portion 12D according to thefourth structural example, as shown in FIG. 23B, the displacer typestirling engine is configured to generally include: a cylinder 241 chaving a high-temperature space and a low-temperature space which arepartitioned by a displacer piston 241 d and in which the operative gascan reciprocate; a displacer piston 241 d which is provided in thecylinder 241 c and configured to be capable of reciprocating; a powerpiston 242 d which reciprocates in accordance with a change in pressurein the cylinder 241 c; a crank shaft 243 to which the displacer piston241 d and the power piston 242 d are connected so as to have a phasedifference of 90°; a heater 244 for heating one end side(high-temperature space side) of the cylinder 241 c; a cooler 245 forcooling the other end side (low-temperature space side) of the cylinder241 c; a known stirling engine provided with a fly wheel 246 connectedto the shaft center of the crank shaft 243; and a power generator (notshown) directly connected to the crank shaft 243.

In the power generation portion 12D having such a structure, thehigh-temperature side of the cylinder 241 c is maintained to beconstantly heated by the thermal energy involved by combustion of thefuel gas, while the low-temperature side space of the same is maintainedto be constantly cooled. Moreover, by repeating each stroke of isochoricheating, isothermal expansion, isochoric cooling and isothermalcompression, the kinetic energy for reciprocating the displacer piston241 d and the power piston 242 d with a predetermined phase differenceis converted into the rotational energy of the crank shaft 243 andtransmitted to the power generator.

That is, in the isochoric heating stroke, when thermal expansion of theoperative gas by the heater 244 is commenced and the displacer piston241 starts to move up, the operative gas on the low-temperature spaceside flows to the high-temperature space side and is heated.Subsequently, in the isothermal expansion stroke, the increasedoperative gas on the high-temperature space side is thermally expandedand the pressure is increased. As a result, the power piston 242 d movesup. Then, in the isochoric cooling stroke, when the displacer piston 241d moves down by inflow of the operative gas thermally expanded by theheater 244 to the low-temperature space side, the operative gas on thehigh-temperature space side flows into the low-temperature space sideand is cooled. Thereafter, in the isothermal compression stroke, theoperative gas cooled in the cylinder 241 c on the low-temperature spaceside is contracted and the pressure in the cylinder 241 c on thelow-temperature space side is reduced, which results in drop of thepower piston 242 d. In this series of drive strokes, rotation of thecrank shaft 243 in a predetermined direction (arrows P7) is maintainedby heating of the operative gas and the reciprocating motion of thepistons involved by cooling. Consequently, the pressure energy of theoperative gas is converted into the rotational energy of the crank shaft243 and further converted into electric power by the power generator(not shown) connected to the crank shaft 243.

Here, as to the structure of the power generator, as similar to thesecond and third structural examples, a known power generator utilizingelectromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion can be applied.Further, as to the structure of the power generation portion 12Dprovided with the stirling engine shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, this powergeneration portion can be also integrated and formed in a small space assimilar to each structural example mentioned above. Furthermore, in thisstructural example, since there is employed the structure for generatingelectric power based on the thermal energy involved by combustion of thefuel gas, the power generation fuel (fuel gas) must have at least theignitability or combustibility.

By applying the stirling engine having such a structure to the powergeneration portion, as similar to the above-described third structuralexample, arbitrary electric power can be generated by the simple controlmethod for adjusting an amount of the power generation fuel FL to besupplied, and hence an appropriate power generation operation accordingto the drive state of the device DVC (load LD) can be realized.Moreover, by applying a construction as a minimized sterling engine, thepower generation module 10A including the power generation portion 12can be minimized while generating electric power with the relativelysimple structure and the operation with less vibrations.

Incidentally, in the second to fourth structural examples mentionedabove, although the power generation device provided with the gascombustion turbine, the rotary engine and the stirling engine has beenexemplified as the power generation device for converting a change inthe gas pressure based on the combustion reaction of the powergeneration fuel FL into electric power through the rotational energy,the present invention is not restricted thereto. It is needless to saythat it is possible to apply a combined use of various kinds of theinternal combustion engine or the external combustion engine such as apulse combustion engine and the power generator utilizing the principleof known electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion.

(Fifth Structural Example of Power Generation Portion)

FIGS. 24A and 24B are schematic structural views showing a fifthstructural example of the power generation portion applicable to thepower generation module according to this embodiment.

In the fifth structural example, as a concrete example, the powergeneration portion has a structure of a power generation device whichuses the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20Athrough the output control portion 14 and generates electric power bythermoelectric conversion power generation utilizing a difference intemperature caused due to production of the thermal energy based on thecombustion reaction (oxidation reaction).

As shown in FIG. 24A, the power generation portion 12E according to thefifth structural example has a construction of a temperature-differencepower generation generally including: a combustion heater 251 forgenerating the thermal energy by subjecting the power generation fuel FLto the combustion reaction (oxidation reaction); a fixed temperatureportion 252 for maintaining a substantially fixed temperature; and athermoelectric conversion element 253 connected between first and secondtemperature ends, the combustion heater 251 being determined as thefirst temperature end and the fixed temperature portion 252 as thesecond temperature end. Here, the thermo-electric conversion element 253has the structure equivalent to that shown in FIG. 8B. The combustionheater 251 continuously maintains the combustion reaction to keep a hightemperature by receiving the power generation fuel FL, while the fixedtemperature portion 252 is configured to maintain a substantially fixedtemperature (for example, an ordinary temperature or a low temperature)by being brought into contact with or exposed to other areas inside andoutside the power supply system 301. As to the structure of the powergeneration portion 12E consisting of the temperature difference powergenerator shown in FIG. 24A, the power generation portion is alsointegrated and formed in a small space as similar to each structuralexample mentioned above.

In the power generation portion 12E having such a structure, as shown inFIG. 24B, when the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20A issupplied to the combustion heater 251 through the output control portion14, the combustion (oxidation) reaction proceeds in accordance with anamount of the power generation fuel to be supplied, and heat isgenerated, thereby increasing a temperature of the combustion heater251. On the other hand, since a temperature of the fixed temperatureportion 252 is determined to be set substantially constant, a differencein temperature is produced between the combustion heater 251 and thefixed temperature portion 252. Based on this difference in temperature,predetermined electromotive force is generated and electric power isthen produced by the Seebeck effect in the thermoelectric conversionelement 253.

By applying the temperature difference power generator having such astructure, as similar to each structural example mentioned above,arbitrary electric power can be generated by the simple control methodfor adjusting an amount of the power generation fuel FL to be supplied,and an appropriate power generation operation according to the drivestate of the device DVC (load LD) can be hence realized. In addition, byapplying the structure as the micro-fabricated temperature differencepower generator, the power generation module 10A including the powergeneration portion 12 can be minimized while generating electric powerby the relatively simple structure and the operation with lessvibrations.

Incidentally, although description has been given as to the temperaturedifference power generator for generating electric power by the Seebeckeffect based on a difference in temperature in the combustion heater 251and the fixed temperature portion 252, the present invention is notrestricted thereto and may have a structure for generating electricpower based on the thermoelectronic emission phenomenon.

(Sixth Structural Example of Power Generation Portion)

FIGS. 25A and 25B are schematic structural views showing a sixthstructural example of the power generation portion applicable to thepower generation module according to this embodiment.

In the sixth structural example, as a concrete example, the powergeneration portion has a structure as a power generation device whichuses the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20Athrough the output control portion 14 and generates electric power(electromotive force) based on the principle of themagneto-hydro-dynamics.

As shown in FIG. 25A, the power generation portion 12F according to thesixth structural example has a structure of an MHD(Magneto-Hydro-Dynamics) power generator generally including: a pair ofelectrodes ELa and ELb which constitute side walls of a flow path alongwhich the power generation fuel FL consisting of a conductive fluidpasses in the form of a predetermined flux and are opposed to eachother; magnetic field generating means MG including a Nd—Fe—B-basedneodymium permanent magnet which generates a magnetic field having apredetermined intensity in a direction perpendicular to both the opposeddirection of the electrodes ELa and ELb and the flow path direction ofthe power generation fuel FL; and output terminals Oc and Odindividually connected to the respective electrodes ELa and ELb. Here,the power generation fuel FL is a conductive fluid (working fluid) suchas plasma, a liquid metal, a liquid containing conductive substances, orgas, and its flow path is formed so that the power generation fuel FLcan flow in a direction (arrow P8) parallel to the electrodes ELa andELb. It is to be noted that the power generation portion 12F accordingto this structural example can be also integrated and formed in a smallspace by applying the micromachine manufacturing technique as similar toeach structural example described above.

In the power generation portion 12F having such a structure, as shown inFIG. 25B, by generating a magnetic field B vertical to the flow pathdirection of the power generation fuel by the magnetic field generatingmeans MG, and by moving the power generation fuel (conductive fluid) FLwith the flux u into the flow path direction, the electromotive forceu×B is induced when the power generation fuel FL comes across themagnetic field, based on the Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction,the enthalpy which the power generation fuel FL has is converted intoelectric power, and an electric current is caused to flow to the load(not shown) connected between the output terminals Oc and Od. As aresult, the thermal energy that the power generation fuel FL has isdirectly converted into electric power.

Incidentally, in case of applying the structure for directly emittingthe power generation fuel (conductive fluid) FL which has passed alongthe flow path of the MHD power generator to the outside of the powersupply system 301, it is needless to say that the flame resistingprocessing or the detoxication processing must be carried out beforeemitting the power generation fuel FL to the outside or means forcollecting the power generation fuel FL must be provided if the powergeneration fuel FL contains a combustible or toxic component.

By applying the MHD power generator having such a structure to the powergeneration portion, since arbitrary electric power can be generated bythe simple control method for adjusting the speed of the powergeneration fuel FL moving along the flow path, an appropriate powergeneration operation according to the drive state of the device DVC canbe realized. Further, by applying the structure as the micro-fabricatedMHD power generator, the power generation module 10A including the powergeneration portion 12 can be minimized while generating electric powerwith the very simple structure requiring no drive parts.

Each structural example mentioned above is just an example of the powergeneration portion 12 applied to the power generation module 10A and isnot intended to restrict the structure of the power supply systemaccording to the present invention. In brief, the power generationportion 12 applied to the present invention may have any other structureas long as it can generate electric power based on the electro-chemicalreaction or heat generation, a temperature difference involved by theendoergic reaction, the conversion action of the pressure energy or thethermal energy, electromagnetic induction and the like in the powergeneration portion 12 when a liquid fuel or a liquefied fuel or a gasfuel charged in the fuel pack 20A is directly or indirectly suppliedthereto. For example, it is possible to excellently apply a combined useof external force generating means utilizing the thermoacoustic effectand a power generator utilizing electromagnetic induction orpiezoelectric conversion or the like.

Among the respective structural examples described above, the powergeneration portion 12 to which the second to fifth structural examplesare applied is configured to use electric power (second electric power)supplied from the sub power supply portion 11 as start-up electric poweras mentioned above for the ignition operation when taking out thethermal energy by subjecting the power generation fuel FL supplied tothe power generation portion 12 to the combustion reaction or the like,as shown in FIG. 3.

<Operation Control Portion 13>

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation control portion 13 applied to thepower generation module according to this embodiment operates with theoperating electric power (second electric power) supplied from theabove-described sub power supply portion 11, generates and outputs anoperation control signal based on various kinds of information insideand outside the power supply system 301 according to this embodiment,namely, information (specifically, a detected voltage from alater-described voltage monitoring portion 16) concerning a change in avoltage component (output voltage) of the supply electric power whichvaries in accordance with the drive state of the device DVC (load LD)connected to the power supply system 301, and controls the operationstate in the later-described power generation portion 12.

That is, specifically, the operation control portion 13 is driven withelectric power generated by the sub power supply portion 11 when thepower generation portion 12 is not operated. When the start-up commandinformation for the load LD is detected from a change in voltage of thecontrol electric power supplied to the device DVC, the operation controlportion 13 outputs to the later-described start-up control portion 15 anoperation control signal for starting up the output control portion 14(start-up control). Furthermore, with the power generation portion 12being in the operation mode, when information indicative of generationof a difference between electric power required for driving the load LDand electric power outputted to the load LD from the power generationportion 12 is detected from a change in voltage of the control electricpower supplied to the device DVC (controller CNT), the operation controlportion 13 outputs to the later-described output control portion 14 anoperation control signal for adjusting an amount of electric power to begenerated (amount of power generation) in the power generation portion12. Thus, the load drive electric power supplied to the device DVC (loadLD) can be an appropriate value according to the drive state of the loadLD (feedback control).

On the other hand, with the power generation portion 12 being in theoperation mode, when the state that a change in voltage of the loaddrive electric power supplied to the device DVC (load LD) deviates froma predetermined voltage range concerning the feedback control andbecomes excessive is continuously detected for a predetermined timeirrespective of execution of the feedback control, the operation controlportion 13 outputs to the start-up control portion 15 an operationcontrol signal for stopping the operation of the output control portion14 (emergency stop control).

Furthermore, with the power generation portion 12 being in the operationmode, when the drive stop command information for the load LD isdetected from a change in voltage of the control electric power suppliedto the device DVC, the operation control portion 13 outputs to thestart-up control portion 15 an operation control signal for stoppingdriving the output control portion 14 (normal stop control).

As will be described later, in case of applying the structuresestablishing electrical connection with the device DVC (load LD) byusing only the positive and negative terminal electrodes as an outsideshape of the power supply system 301 as similar to a general-purposechemical cell, the drive state of the load LD can be detected bysupplying the supply electric power consisting of the controllerelectric power or the load drive electric power to the device DVCthrough the positive and negative electrodes and constantly monitoringfluctuation of the voltage component of the supply electric power byusing the voltage monitoring portion 16. Moreover, if the device DVC hasa structure capable of outputting the load drive information concerningthe drive state of the device DVC (load LD) from the controller CNT, thepower supply system 301 may be provided with a terminal for inputtingthe load drive information besides the positive and negative terminalelectrodes.

<Output Control Portion 14>

As shown in FIG. 3, the output control portion 14 applied to the powergeneration module according to this embodiment operates with electricpower (start-up electric power) supplied from the above-described subpower supply portion 11 directly or through the start-up control portion15 based on the operation control signal outputted from the operationcontrol portion 13, and controls the operation state (the start-upoperation, the steady operation, the stop operation, an amount ofelectric power to be generated (amount of power generation)) in thepower generation portion 12.

Specifically, the output control portion 14 includes, for example, flowrate adjusting means (fuel control portion 14 a) for adjusting aquantity of flow rate or a quantity of discharge of the power generationfuel, flow rate adjusting means (air control portion 14 b) for adjustinga flow rate or a quantity of discharge of the power generation oxygen,heater temperature adjusting means (heater control portion 14 e) foradjusting a temperature of a heater provided to the power generationportion 12 or the like. In the power generation portion 12 illustratedin each structural example mentioned above, the output control portion14 controls the flow rate adjusting means and the heater temperatureadjusting means based on the operation control signal for supply of thepower generation fuel (a liquid fuel, a liquefied fuel, or a gas fuel)whose amount is required for generating and outputting the load driveelectric power consisting of predetermined electric power and foroptimization of a temperature of the heater for facilitating variouskinds of reactions in the power generation portion 12 or the like.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a primary structure of one concreteexample of the power generation module applied to the power supplysystem according to this embodiment.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, when the structure of thefuel reforming type fuel cell illustrated in the above first structuralexample (see FIG. 19) is applied as the power generation portion 12, itis possible to provide a fuel control portion 14 a for controlling anamount of the power generation fuel (hydrogen gas supplied to the fuelcell portion 210 b) supplied to the power supply portion 12A based onthe operation control signal from the operation control portion 13 andan air control portion 14 b for controlling an amount of air (oxygen gassupplied to the fuel cell portion 210 b) supplied to the powergeneration portion 12A as the structure of the output control portion 14as shown in FIG. 26.

In this case, the fuel control portion 14 a performs control to fetchfrom the fuel pack 20A the power generation fuel, water and the like forgenerating hydrogen gas (H₂) whose amount is required for producingpredetermined electric power (first electric power), reform them intohydrogen gas (H₂) by the fuel reforming portion 210 a and supply theobtained gas to the fuel electrode 211 of the fuel cell portion 210 b.Moreover, the air control portion 14 b performs control to fetch fromatmosphere necessary amount of oxygen gas (O₂) according to theelectrochemical reaction (see the chemical equations (6) and (7)) usinghydrogen gas and then supply it to the air electrode 212 of the fuelcell portion 210 b. By adjusting the amounts of hydrogen gas (H₂) andthe oxygen gas (O₂) to be supplied to the power generation portion 12,by such fuel control portion 14 a and air control portion 14 b, thestages of progress of the electrochemical reaction in the powergeneration portion 12 (fuel cell portion 210 b) can be controlled, andan amount of electric power to be generated as the load drive electricpower or an output voltage can be controlled.

Here, the air control portion 14 b may be set to constantly supply airwhen the power generation portion 12 is in the operation mode withoutcontrolling an amount of oxygen gas to be supplied to the air electrode212 of the power generation portion 12 as long as the air controlportion 14 b can supply air corresponding to the maximum consumption ofoxygen per unit time in the power generation portion 12. That is, in thestructure of the power generation module 10A shown in FIG. 26, theoutput control portion 14 may be configured to control the stages ofprogress of the electrochemical reaction by only the fuel controlportion 14 a. In addition, a later-described air hole (slit) may beprovided instead of the air control portion 14 b so that air (oxygen)above the minimum amount used for the electrochemical reaction in thepower generation portion 12 can be constantly supplied through the airhole.

<Start-Up Control Portion 15>

As shown in FIG. 3, the start-up control portion 15 applied to the powergeneration module according to this embodiment operates with electricpower supplied from the sub power supply portion 11 mentioned above, andperforms the start-up control for shifting the power generation portion12 from the standby mode to the operation mode capable of powergeneration by supplying electric power (start-up electric power) to atleast the output control portion 14 (the power generation portion 12 maybe included depending on structures) based on the operation controlsignal outputted from the operation control portion 13.

Specifically, in the structure shown in FIG. 26, with the powergeneration portion 12A (fuel cell portion 210 b) being inactive, whenthe start-up control portion 15 receives the operation control signalfor starting up the power generation portion 12A from the operationcontrol portion 13, the start-up electric power outputted from the subpower supply portion 11 is supplied to the fuel control portion 14 a ofthe output control portion 14, and the start-up electric power outputtedfrom the sup power supply portion 11 is supplied to the heater controlportion 14 e of the output control portion 14. As a result, the fuelcontrol portion 14 a controls an amount of fuel or the like to besupplied to the fuel reforming portion 210 a (or both the fuel reformingportion 210 a and the fuel cell portion 210 b), and the heater controlportion 14 e adjusts an amount of electric power to be supplied to theheater of the fuel reforming portion 210 a (or the heater of the fuelreforming portion 210 a and the heater of the fuel cell portion 210 b),thereby controlling a temperature of the heater. The fuel reformingportion 210 a supplies hydrogen gas (H₂) reformed from the fuel or thelike therein to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell portion 210 b, andthe air control portion 14 b supplies oxygen gas (O₂) to the airelectrode. Consequently, the fuel cell portion 210 b is automaticallystarted up and shifted to the operation mode (steady mode) forgenerating predetermined electric power (first electric power).

With the power generation portion 12A being driven, when the start-upcontrol portion 15 receives the operation control signal for stoppingthe power generation portion 12A (fuel cell portion 210 b) from theoperation control portion 13, it stops supply of hydrogen gas (H₂) andoxygen gas (O₂) to the fuel cell portion 210 b by controlling at leastthe fuel control portion 14 a, the air control portion 14 b and theheater control portion 14 e. Thus, generation of electric power (powergeneration) to the fuel cell portion 210 b is stopped, so that the fuelcell portion 210 b is shifted to the standby mode in which only the subpower supply portion 11, and the operation control portion 13, thelater-described voltage monitoring portion 16 and the controller CNT ofthe device DVC which receive the electric power (operating electricpower, controller electric power) from the sub power supply portion 11operate.

Here, although description has been given as to the case that the fuelreforming type fuel cell is applied as the power generation portion 12and the operation state (the start-up operation, the stop operation) ofthe power generation portion 12A is controlled by controlling supply ofthe start-up electric power to the output control portion 14 (the fuelcontrol portion 14 a and the air control portion 14 b) and the powergeneration portion 12A by the start-up control portion 15 in order tocontrol supply/shutoff of the power generation fuel and air to the powergeneration portion 12A, the operation state of the power generationportion 12 can be controlled by the substantially equal control even ifother structural examples mentioned above (for instance, the powergeneration device provided with the internal combustion engine, theexternal combustion engine or the like) are applied to the powergeneration portion 12. In addition, when applying the fuel direct supplytype fuel cell capable of generating power at a room temperature as thepower generation portion 12, the heater in the power generation portion12, the fuel reforming portion 210 a or the heater control portion 14 eis no longer necessary, and an amount of electric power to be generatedin the power generation portion 12 can be controlled by only controllingsupply/shutoff of the power generation fuel. The start-up controlportion 15 may, therefore, control supply of the start-up electric poweronly to the fuel control portion 14 a of the output control portion 14.

Additionally, although the electric power from the sub power supplyportion 11 is supplied to the start-up control portion 15 and the outputcontrol portion 14 (the fuel control portion 14 a in the structure shownin FIG. 26) as the operating electric power or the start-up electricpower in the structure shown in FIG. 3, if the electric power suppliedfrom the sub power supply portion 11 can not suffice the electric powerconsumed by the output control portion 14 or the like at the time ofsteady operation of the power generation portion 12, the electric powercan be maintained by outputting a part of the electric power generatedin the power generation portion 12 to the output control portion 14 orthe like in addition to the electric power from the sub power supplyportion 11 (see dotted arrows in FIGS. 3 and 26).

At this moment, as the power supply system, the output control portion14 controls a total amount of the power generation fuel corresponding toan increased part of the electric power consumed by the output controlportion 14 itself and a power generation fuel corresponding to theelectric power supplied to the device DVC to be supplied to the powergeneration portion 12 so as not to impair the electric power supplied tothe device DVC (load LD) as the load drive electric power. Incidentally,in the structure shown in FIG. 26, the fuel control portion 14 aperforms control to supply a total amount of the power generationelectric power to the fuel electrode 211 of the fuel cell portion 210 bthrough the fuel reforming portion 210 a, and the air control portion 14b executes control to supply air satisfying an amount of oxygen requiredfor generating sufficient electric power (power generation) in the fuelcell portion 210 b to the air electrode 212 of the fuel cell portion 210b.

<Voltage Monitoring Portion 16>

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the voltage monitoring portion 16 applied tothe power generation module according to the present embodiment detectsa voltage component displaced in accordance with the drive status(increase/decrease in capacity) of the device DVC driven by outputelectric power which is generated by the above-described powergeneration portion 12 and outputted through the electrode terminal EL(specifically, the positive electrode terminal and the negativeelectrode terminal described later, or any other terminal) provided inthe power supply system, namely, by the supply electric power suppliedto the device DVC connected to the electrode terminal EL, and outputs itto the operation control portion 13.

Specifically, when the load LD in the device DVC is not driven, thevoltage monitoring portion 16 detects a change in the voltage componentof the controller electric power which is generated by the sub powersupply portion 11 and supplied to the device DVC (controller CNT)through the electrode terminal EL. On the other hand, when the load LDin the device DVC is driven, the voltage monitoring portion 16 detects achange in the voltage component of the load drive electric power whichis generated by the power generation portion 12 and supplied to thedevice DVC (load LD) through the electrode terminal EL. As a result, theoperation control portion 13 executes a start-up control, a feedbackcontrol, a stop control and others, which will be described later, forthe power supply system, based on the detected voltage. In thisembodiment, therefore, each of the controller electric power and theload drive electric power which are generated by the sub power supplyportion 11 or the power generation portion 12 and supplied to the deviceDVC is a target of voltage detection (monitoring voltage) by the voltagemonitoring portion 16.

(B) Fuel Pack 20

The fuel pack 20A applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention is, for example, a fuel storage container with thehigh sealing property, in which the power generation fuel FL consistingof a liquid fuel, a liquefied fuel or a gas fuel containing hydrogen inits compositional components is filled and charged. As shown in FIG. 3,the fuel pack 20A has a structure to be coupled with the powergeneration module 10A through the I/F portion 30A in the attachable anddetachable manner or a structure to be integrally coupled with the same.The power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A is taken intothe power generation module 10A through the fuel feed path provided tothe later-described I/F portion 30A, and the power generation fuel FLwhose amount is required for generating electric power (first electricpower) having a predetermined voltage characteristic according to thedrive state (load state) of the device DVC is supplied to the powergeneration portion 12 by the above-described output control portion 14at any given time.

In case of applying, as the sub power supply portion 11, the structurefor generating electric power (second electric power) by using a part ofthe power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A as describedabove and utilizing an electrochemical reaction, a catalytic combustionreaction or a dynamic energy conversion action and the like, at least aminimum quantity of the power generation fuel required for generatingelectric power which can be the controller electric power of the deviceDVC and the operating power of the operation control portion 13 isconstantly supplied to the sub power supply portion 11 through the I/Fportion 30A.

In particular, in case of applying, as the power supply system 301, thestructure in which the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20Acan be attached and detached without restraint, the power generationfuel FL is supplied to the power generation module 10A only when thefuel pack 20A is coupled with the power generation module 10A. In thiscase, when the fuel pack 20A is not coupled with the power generationmodule 10A, the fuel pack 20A is provided with, e.g., fuel leakpreventing means having a control valve or the like which closes by afuel charge pressure inside the fuel pack 20A or a physical pressure ofa spring or the like in order to prevent the power generation fuel FLcharged therein from leaking to the outside of the fuel pack 20A. Whenthe fuel pack 20A is coupled with the power generation module 10Athrough the I/F portion 30A and means (leak prevention releasing means)which is provided to the I/F portion 30A and releases the leakprevention function by the fuel leak preventing means is thereby broughtinto contact with or presses the fuel pack 20A, thus the closed state ofthe control valve is released and the power generation fuel FL chargedin the fuel pack 20A is supplied to the power generation module 10Athrough the I/F portion 30A, for example.

In the fuel pack 20A having such a structure, when the fuel pack 20A isseparated from the power generation module 10A before the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A is run out, the powergeneration fuel FL can be prevented from leaking by again activating theleak prevention function of the fuel leak preventing means (for example,by bringing the leak prevention releasing means into the non-contactstate to cause the control valve to again close), and the fuel pack 20Acan be carried independently.

It is preferable for the fuel pack 20A to have a function as theabove-described fuel storage container and be made up of a materialwhich basically exists in the nature world under a specificenvironmental condition and can be converted into substances whichconstitute the nature or substances which cause no environmentalpollution.

That is, the fuel pack 20A can be made up of a polymeric material(plastic) or the like having characteristics consisting of various kindsof decomposition reactions that the material can be converted intosubstances, which is not harmful to the nature world (substances whichbasically exist in the nature world and constitute the nature, forexample, water and carbon dioxide or the like), by action of microbes orenzyme in the soil, irradiation of sunbeams, rain water, atmospheric airor the like even if all or part of the fuel pack 20A is jettisoned inthe nature world or subjected to landfill disposal, for example,decomposition characteristics of the biodegradability, the photolyticproperty, the hydrolyzability, the oxidative degradability or the like.

The fuel pack 20A may be constituted by a material by which harmfulsubstances such as a chlorinated organic compound (dioxin group;polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin, polychlorinated dibenzofuran),hydrochloric gas or heavy metal, or environmental pollutants are notgenerated or generation of such substances are suppressed even ifartificial heating/incineration processing or agent/chemical processingis carried out. It is needless to say that a material (for example, thepolymeric material) constituting the fuel pack 20A can not be decomposedat least in a short time by contact with the charged power generationfuel FL and does not degenerate the charged power generation fuel FL atleast in a short time to such an extent that it can not be used as afuel. Also, it is needless to say that fuel pack 20A constituted by thepolymeric material has the sufficient strength with respect to externalphysical stress.

As described above, taking into consideration the state that the collectrate of the chemical cell for recycling is only approximately 20% andremaining 80% is jettisoned in the natural world or subjected tolandfill disposal, it is desirable to apply a material having thedecomposition property, and biodegradable plastic in particular as amaterial of the fuel pack 20A. Specifically, it is possible toexcellently apply a polymeric material containing a chemical synthesistype organic compound synthesized from a petroleum or vegetable rawmaterial (polylactic acid, aliphatic polyester, copolyester or thelike), microbial bio-polyester, a natural product utilizing polymericmaterial including farina, cellulose, chitin, chitosan or the likeextracted from a vegetable raw material such as a corn or a sugar cane,or others.

As the power generation fuel FL used in the power supply system 301according to this embodiment, it is preferable that it can not be acontaminant for the natural environment even if the fuel pack 20A havingthe power generation fuel FL charged therein is jettisoned in thenatural world or subjected to landfill disposal and leaks into air, soilor water, that electric power can be generated with the high energyconversion efficiency in the power generation portion 12 of the powergeneration module 10A, and that it is a fuel substance which canmaintain a stable liquid state or an air state under predeterminedcharge conditions (pressure, temperature or the like) and can besupplied to the power generation module 10A. Specifically, it ispossible to excellently apply an alcohol-based liquid fuel such asmethanol mentioned above, ethanol or butanol, a liquefied fuelconsisting of hydrocarbon such as dimethyl ether, isobutane or naturalgas which are gas at an ordinary temperature under an ordinary pressure,or a gas fuel such as hydrogen gas. Incidentally, as will be describedlater, the safety of the power supply system can be increased byproviding the structure of, e.g., fuel stabilizing means for stabilizingthe charged state of the power generation fuel in the fuel pack.

According to the fuel pack 20A and the power generation fuel FL havingsuch a structure, even if all or a part of the power supply system 301according to this embodiment is jettisoned in the natural world orartificially subjected to landfill disposal, incineration or chemicalprocessing, pollution of air, soil or water quality to the naturalenvironment, or generation of environmental hormone can be greatlysuppressed, thereby contributing to prevention of environmentaldestruction, suppression of disfigurement of the natural environment,and prevention of the adverse effect to human bodies.

In case of constituting the fuel pack 20A so that it can be attached toand detached from the power generation module 10A without restraint,when an amount of the remaining power generation fuel FL charged isreduced or this fuel is run out, the power generation fuel FL can bereplenished into fuel pack 20A, or the fuel pack 20A can be replaced orreused (recycling). This can, therefore, contribute to great reductionin a quantity of the fuel pack 20A or the power generation module 10A tobe jettisoned. Furthermore, since a new fuel pack 20A can be replacedand attached to a single power generation module 10A and this module canbe attached to the device DVC and used, it is possible to provide thepower supply system which can be easily used as similar to ageneral-purpose chemical cell.

In case of generating electric power in the sub power supply portion 11and the power generation portion 12 of the power generation module 10A,even if by-product is generated besides electric power and thisby-product adversely affects the surroundings or if it may possiblyexert its influence on functions, for example, it may cause themalfunction of the device DVC, it is possible to apply the structure inwhich means for holding the by-product collected by later-describedby-product collecting means is provided in the fuel pack 20A. In thiscase, when the fuel pack 20A is detached from the power generationmodule 10A, it is possible to apply the structure having, e.g.,absorbing polymer capable of absorbing, both absorbing and fixing, orfixing the by-product in order to prevent the by-product temporarilycollected and held in the fuel pack 20A (collecting/holding means) fromleaking to the outside of the fuel pack 20A, or a control valve whichcloses by the physical pressure of, e.g., a spring. The structure of thecollecting/holding means for the by-product will be described latertogether with the by-product collecting means.

(C) I/F portion 30

The I/F portion 30 applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention is interposed between at least the power generationmodule 10 and the fuel pack 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the I/F portion 30Aapplied as an example has a function for physically coupling the powergeneration module 10A and the fuel pack 20A with each other, andsupplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A in apredetermined state to the power generation module 10A through the fuelfeed path. Here, as described above, in case of applying, as the powersupply system 301, the structure in which the power generation module10A and the fuel pack 20A can be attached and detached withoutrestraint, the I/F portion 30A includes leak prevention releasing means(fuel feed pipe 52 f) for releasing the leak prevention function of fuelleak preventing means (fuel feed valve 24A) provided to the fuel pack20A in addition to the fuel feed path. Moreover, as will be describedlater, in case of applying the structure also providing by-productcollecting means for collecting a by-product generated in the sub-powersupply portion 11 and the power generation portion 12 of the powergeneration module 10A, the I/F portion 30A is configured to include aby-product collection path 52 e for feeding the by-product into the fuelpack 20A.

Specifically, the I/F portion 30A supplies to the power generationmodule 10A (the sub power supply portion 11 and the power generationportion 12) the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20Aunder predetermined conditions (temperature, pressure and others) as aliquid fuel, a liquefied fuel or a gas fuel (fuel gas) obtained byvaporizing the fuel, through the fuel feed path. In the power supplysystem in which the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20Aare integrally configured through the I/F portion 30A, therefore, thepower generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A can be constantlysupplied to the power generation module 10A through the fuel feed path.On the other hand, in the power supply system in which the powergeneration module 10A and the fuel pack 20A can be attached and detachedthrough the I/F portion 30A without restrain, the leak preventionfunction of the fuel leak preventing means provided to the fuel pack 20Ais released by the leak prevention releasing means when the fuel pack20A is coupled with the power generation module 10A, and the powergeneration fuel FL can be supplied to the power generation module 10Athrough the fuel feed path.

Incidentally, in the power supply system in which the power generationmodule 10A and the fuel pack 20A are integrally constituted through theI/F portion 30A, the power generation fuel FL is constantly supplied tothe power generation module 10A irrespective of attachment/detachment ofthe power supply system to/from the device DVC. Therefore, when electricpower is generated in the sub power supply portion 11, the powergeneration fuel can not be efficiently consumed in some cases. Thus, forexample, before using the power supply system (before attaching it tothe device), efficient consumption of the power generation fuel can berealized by applying the structure that the fuel feed path of the I/Fportion 30A is maintained in the shutoff (shielding) state, the shutoffstate is released when using the power supply system and the fuel feedpath is irreversibly controlled (allowed to pass the fuel therethrough)into the fuel supply enabled state.

<Overall Operation of First Embodiment>

The overall operation of the power supply system having theabove-described structure will now be described with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supplysystem according to this embodiment. FIG. 28 is a view showing aninitial operation state (standby mode) of the power supply systemaccording to this embodiment. FIG. 29 is a view showing a start-upoperation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment.FIG. 30 is a view showing a steady operation state of the power supplysystem according to this embodiment. FIG. 31 is a view showing a stopoperation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment.Here, the operation will be described while appropriately makingreference to the structure of the above-described power supply system(FIGS. 3 and 4).

As shown in FIG. 27, the power supply system 301 having the structureaccording to this embodiment is generally controlled to execute aninitial operation (steps S101 and S102) for supplying the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A to the power generationmodule 10A, constantly and continuously generating electric power(second electric power) which can be the operating electric power andthe controller electric power in the sub power supply portion 11, andoutputting this electric power to the device DVC (controller CNT)through the electrode terminals EL (specifically, the positive electrodeterminal EL (+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (−) shown inFIGS. 28 to 31); a start-up operation (steps S103 to S106) for supplyingthe power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A to the powergeneration portion 12 based on drive of the load LD (changing from thenon-drive mode to the drive mode) in the device DVC, generating theelectric power (first electric power) which can be the load driveelectric power, and outputting this power to the device DVC (load LD)through the electrode terminals EL (EL (+), EL (−)); a steady operation(steps S107 to S110) for adjusting an amount of the power generationfuel FL to be supplied to the power generation portion 12 based on achange in the drive state for the load LD, and generating and outputtingelectric power (first electric power) having a voltage componentaccording to the drive state of the load; and a stop operation (stepsS111 to S114) for shutting off supply of the power generation fuel FL tothe power generation portion 12 based on stop of the load LD (changingfrom the drive state to the non-drive state) and stopping generation ofelectric power (first electric power).

Each operation will now be described in detail hereinafter withreference to FIGS. 28 to 31.

(A) Initial Operation of First Embodiment

At first, in the initial operation, in the power supply system in whichthe power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20A are constitutedintegrally with each other through the I/F portion 30, for example, byreleasing the shutoff state of the fuel feed path of the I/F portion 30at the time of attachment to the device DVC, as shown in FIG. 28, thepower generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20A moves in the fuelfeed path by the capillary phenomenon of the fuel feed path and isautomatically supplied to the sub power supply portion 11 of the powergeneration module 10A (step S101). Subsequently, in the sub power supplyportion 11, at least electric power (second electric power) E1 which canbe the operating electric power of the operation control portion 13 andthe drive electric power (controller electric power) for the controllerCNT included in the device DVC is autonomously generated and outputted,and it is then continuously supplied to each of the operation controlportion 13 and the controller CNT (step S102).

On the other hand, in the power supply system in which the powergeneration module 10A and the fuel pack 20A can be attached and detachedwithout restraint, by coupling the fuel pack 20A with the powergeneration module 10A through the I/F portion 30, as shown in FIG. 28,the leak prevention function of the fuel leak preventing means providedto the fuel pack 20A is released, and the power generation fuel chargedin the fuel pack 20A moves in the fuel feed path by the capillaryphenomenon of the fuel feed path and is automatically supplied to thesub power supply portion 11 of the power generation module 10A (stepS101). In the sub power supply portion 11, electric power (secondelectric power) E1 which can be the operating electric power and thecontroller electric power is autonomously generated and outputted, andit is then continuously supplied to the operation control portion 13,the voltage monitoring portion 16 and the controller CNT (step S102).

In all cases, only the electric power which can be operating electricpower of the operation control portion 13 and the voltage monitoringportion 16 is outputted until the power supply system is connected tothe device DVC.

By coupling the fuel pack 20A with the power generation module 10Athrough the I/F portion 30, the mode is shifted to the standby mode inwhich only the operation control portion 13 of the power generationmodule 10A, the voltage monitoring portion 16 and the controller CNT ofthe device DVC are operated. In this standby mode, the supply electricpower (the controller electric power; a part of the electric power E1)supplied to the device DVC (controller CNT) through the positiveelectrode terminal EL (+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (−) isslightly consumed by the operation control portion 13, the voltagemonitoring portion 16 and the controller CNT of the device DVC. Thevoltage Vdd which has slightly dropped by consumption is detected by thevoltage monitoring portion 16 at any given time, and a change in thevoltage Vdd is monitored by the operation control portion 13.Furthermore, the drive state of the load LD of the device DVC iscontrolled by the controller CNT.

(B) Start-Up Operation of First Embodiment

Subsequently, in the start-up operation, as shown in FIG. 29, when thecontroller CNT controls the switch LS for supplying electric power tothe load LD to be in the conductive state by an operation for drivingthe load LD, for example, by an operation of a power supply switch PS orthe like (turning on) provided to the device DVC by a user of the deviceDVC, a part of the supply electric power (control electric power)supplied to the controller CNT is supplied to the load LD in the standbymode, which results in sudden drop in the voltage Vdd of the supplyelectric power.

Upon detecting a sudden change in the voltage Vdd through the voltagemonitoring portion 16 (step S103), the operation control portion 13outputs to the start-up control portion 15 an operation control signalfor starting the power generation operation (start-up) in the powergeneration portion (step S104). By supplying a part of the electricpower (electric power E2) generated by the sub power supply portion 11to the output control portion 14 (or the output control portion 14 andthe power generation portion 12) as start-up electric power based on theoperation control signal from the operation control portion 13 (stepS105), the start-up control portion 15 supplies the power generationfuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A to the power generation portion 12through the output control portion 14 and generates and outputs electricpower (first electric power) which can be load drive electric power. Theload drive electric power is outputted as the supply electric powertogether with the controller electric power generated by theabove-described power supply portion 11 through the positive electrodeterminal EL (+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (−), and suppliedto the controller CNT and the load LD of the device DVC (step S106).

Therefore, when the load drive electric power generated by the powergeneration portion 12 is supplied to the device DVC, the voltage Vdd ofthe supply electric power is gradually increased from the dropped stateand reaches a voltage appropriate for starting up the load LD. That is,with respect to drive of the load LD, the power generation fuel FL isautomatically supplied, and the power generation portion 12 starts thepower generation operation. Moreover, the load drive electric powerhaving the predetermined voltage Vdd is autonomously supplied to thedevice DVC (load LD). Accordingly, the load LD can be excellently drivenwhile realizing the electric power characteristic substantiallyequivalent to that of the general-purpose chemical cell.

(C) Steady Operation of First Embodiment

Subsequently, in the steady operation, as shown in FIG. 30, theoperation control portion 13 monitors a change in the voltage Vdd(substantially a change in voltage of the load drive electric power) ofthe supply electric power supplied to the device DVC through the voltagemonitoring portion 16 at any given time (step S107). If the operationcontrol portion 13 detects a change in the voltage Vdd such that thevoltage of the supply electric power deviates from a voltage range basedon a predetermined specified value (for example, a fluctuation range ofthe output voltage in the general-purpose chemical cell), the operationcontrol portion 13 outputs to the output control portion 14 an operationcontrol signal for controlling an amount of electric power (amount ofpower generation) generated in the power generation portion 12 to beincreased/decreased so that the voltage Vdd can be set within thevoltage range (step S108).

The output control portion 14 adjusts an amount of the power generationfuel FL to be supplied to the power generation portion 12 based on anoperation control signal from the operation control portion 13 (stepS109), and executes the feedback control so that the voltage Vdd of thesupply electric power (load drive electric power) to be supplied to thedevice DVC is set within a predetermined voltage range (step S110). As aresult, even if the drive state of the load LD (load state) on thedevice DVC side is changed, it is possible to control so that thevoltage of the supply electric power can be converged to an appropriatevoltage range according to the drive state of the load LD, and electricpower according to power consumption of the device DVC (load LD) can behence supplied.

(D) Stop Operation of First Embodiment

Subsequently, in the above-described steady operation, when the deviceDVC is changed from the on state to the off state during the feedbackcontrol for the supply electric power, or when the abnormal operation ofthe device DVC or the power supply system 301 is provoked for somereason, the operation control portion 13 continuously detects for apredetermined time the state that the voltage Vdd of the supply electricpower (load drive electric power) to be supplied to the device DVCdeviates from the predetermined voltage range through the voltagemonitoring portion 16. When it is determined that the conditions forthis voltage range and the continuous time are satisfied (step S111),the operation control portion 13 performs the processing for thedetected state, as the voltage error of the supply electric power, andoutputs to the output control portion 14 an operation control signal forstopping generation of electric power in the power generation portion 12(step S112). Based on the operation control signal from the operationcontrol portion 13, the output control portion 14 shuts off supply ofthe power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12 andstops heating of the heater for facilitating the endoergic reaction forgenerating hydrogen (step S113). As a result, the power generationoperation in the power generation portion 12 is stopped, and supply ofthe electric power (load drive electric power) other than the controllerelectric power to the device DVC is stopped (step S114).

That is, for example, if the load LD is stopped by controlling theswitch LS supplying the electric power to the load LD to the shutoffstate by using the controller CNT when a user of the device DVC operatesthe power supply switch PS or the like (turning off), or if the load isrun out (ceased) when the power supply system 301 is removed from thedevice DVC, the voltage of the supply electric power may largely deviatefrom the predetermined voltage range even after performing the feedbackcontrol for setting the voltage of the supply electric power in thevoltage range in the above-described steady operation. Therefore, whensuch a state is continuously detected over a predetermined period oftime by the operation control portion 13, the operation control portion13 determines that the load LD of the device DVC is stopped or run outand stops the power generation operation in the power generation portion12. As a result, since supply of the power generation fuel FL is shutoff and the power generation portion 12 is automatically shut down withrespect to stop or the like of the load LD in the device DVC, the powergeneration portion 12 generates electric power only when the device DVCis normally driven, and the electromotive force can be maintained for along time while effectively utilizing the power generation fuel.

As described above, according to the power supply system of thisembodiment, since it is possible to perform control for supplying andshutting off the electric power which can be predetermined load driveelectric power and control for adjusting an amount of the electric powerto be generated in accordance with the drive state of the load (deviceor the like) connected to the power supply system without receivingsupply of the fuel or the like from the outside of the power supplysystem, the power generation fuel can be efficiently consumed.Therefore, the power supply system which has less burden on theenvironment and has the very high energy utilization efficiency can beprovided while realizing the electrical characteristic which issubstantially equivalent to that of the general-purpose chemical cell.

Moreover, as will be described later, the power supply system accordingto this embodiment is reduced in size and weight by integrating andforming the power generation module in a small space by applying themicromachine manufacturing technique, and constituted so as to have theshape and dimensions substantially equal to those of the general-purposechemical cell, e.g., an AA size battery, meeting the standards such asJapanese Industrial Standards (JIS). As a result, it is possible torealize the high compatibility with the general-purpose chemical cell inboth the outside shape and the electrical characteristic(voltage/electric current characteristic), and popularization inexisting cell markets can be further facilitated. Consequently, in placeof the existing chemical cell having many problems in, for example,environmental concerns or the energy utilization efficiency, it ispossible to easily spread the power supply system applying the powergeneration device by which emission of a harmful substance of the fuelcell or the like can be greatly suppressed and which can realize thehigh energy utilization efficiency, and hence the energy resource can beefficiently utilized while suppressing the influence to the environment.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the power generation module applied to the powersupply system according to the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention, and FIG. 33 is a view schematically showing theelectrical connection relationship between the power supply system(power generation module) according to this embodiment and the device.Here, like reference numerals denote structures similar to those in theabove-described first embodiment, thereby simplifying or omitting theirexplanation.

As shown in FIG. 32, the power generation module 10B according to thisembodiment generally includes: a sub power supply portion (second powersupply means) 11 having functions similar to those in theabove-described first embodiment (see FIG. 3); a power generationportion (first power supply means) 12; an operation control portion 13;an output control portion 14; a start-up control portion 15; a voltagemonitoring portion (voltage detection portion) 16; and a terminalportion ELx for notifying predetermined information with respect to acontroller CNT included in a device DVC to which the power supply systemis connected. In this embodiment, the power supply system is configuredto control the power generation state in the power generation module 10B(in particular, the power generation portion 12) based on at least loaddrive formation (electric power request) which is notified from thecontroller CNT included in the device DVC through the terminal portionELx and corresponds to the drive state of the load LD.

In this embodiment, the controller CNT of the device DVC connected tothe power supply system notifies the power supply system of the loaddrive information (electric power request) in accordance with the drivestate of the load LD, and has a function as load drive controlling meansfor controlling the drive state of the load LD in accordance with powergeneration information (information concerning voltage components,start-up operation end information, and operation stop information)indicative of the power generation state of the power supply systembased on the electric power request.

In the power supply system according to this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 33, the supply electric power consisting of the controller electricpower and the load drive electric power outputted from each of the subpower supply portion 11 and the power generation portion 12 is likewisecommonly supplied to the controller CNT and the load LD of the deviceDVC through a single electrode terminal EL, and the voltage component ofthis supply electric power (substantially the load drive electric power)is detected by the voltage monitoring portion 16 at any given time andmonitored by the operation control portion 13.

<Overall Operation of Second Embodiment>

The overall operation of the power supply system having theabove-described structure will now be described with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supplysystem according to the second embodiment. FIG. 35 is a view showing aninitial operation state (standby mode) of the power supply systemaccording to this embodiment. FIGS. 36 and 37 are views showing astart-up operation state of the power supply system according to thisembodiment. FIGS. 38 and 39 are views showing a steady operation stateof the power supply system according to this embodiment. FIGS. 40 to 42are views showing a stop operation state of the power supply systemaccording to this embodiment. Here, the operation will be describedwhile appropriately making reference to the structure of theabove-described power supply system (FIGS. 32 and 33).

In this embodiment, upon receiving the load drive information concerningthe drive control for the load notified from the controller CNTcontained in the device DVC through a terminal portion ELx other than apositive electrode terminal EL (+) and a negative electrode terminal EL(−), the operation control portion 13 provided to the power generationmodule 10B executes a series of the operation controls mentioned below.In addition to the overall operation of this embodiment described below,all or only a part of the overall operation of the above-described firstembodiment may be simultaneously executed in parallel.

That is, as shown in FIG. 34, as similar to the above-described firstembodiment, the power supply system 301 having the structure accordingto this embodiment is generally controlled to perform: the initialoperation (steps S201 and S202) for constantly and continuouslygenerating and outputting electric power which can be operating electricpower for the operation control portion 13 and drive electric power forthe controller CNT (controller electric power) by the sub power supplyportion 11; the start-up operation (steps S203 to S206) for generatingand outputting electric power which can be load drive electric power bysupplying start-up electric power to the power generation portion 12 andthe output control portion 14 based on drive of the load LD; the steadyoperation (steps S207 to S210) for generating and outputting electricpower (load drive electric power) according to the drive state of theload by adjusting an amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied tothe power generation portion 12 based on a change in the drive state ofthe load LD; and the stop operation (steps S211 to S214) for terminatinggeneration of electric power which can be the load drive electric powerby shutting off supply of the power generation fuel FL to the powergeneration portion 12 based on stop of the load LD.

(A) Initial Operation of Second Embodiment

At first, in the initial operation, as shown in FIG. 35, as similar tothe first embodiment, the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack20B is automatically supplied to the sub power supply portion 11 of thepower generation module 10B through a fuel feed path provided to the I/Fportion 30B (step S201), and electric power (second electric power)which can be operating electric power and controller electric power isautonomously generated and outputted by the sub power supply portion 11.Additionally, the operating electric power is continuously supplied tothe operation control portion 13, and the power supply system isconnected to the device DVC. As a result, the controller electric poweris supplied as the supply electric power (voltage Vs) to the controllerCNT built in the device DVC through the positive electrode terminal EL(+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (−) provided to the powersupply system (step S202). Consequently, the mode is shifted to thestandby mode in which only the operation control portion 13 of the powergeneration module 10A and the controller CNT of the device DVC areoperative. In the standby mode, the operation control portion 13constantly monitors the load drive information (later-described variouskinds of electric power requests) notified from the controller CNT ofthe device DVC through the terminal portion ELx in accordance with thedrive state of the load.

(B) Start-Up Operation of Second Embodiment

Subsequently, in the start-up operation, as shown in FIG. 36, forexample, when a user of the device DVC operates a power supply switch PSor the like provided to the device DVC (turning on), an electric powersupply request signal requesting supply of electric power (firstelectric power) which can be the load drive electric power is firstoutputted as the load drive information from the controller CNT to theoperation control portion 13 of the power generation module 10B throughterminal portion ELx. Upon receiving the load drive information from thecontroller CNT (step S203), the operation control portion 13 outputs tothe start-up control portion 15 an operation control signal for startingthe operation (start-up) in the power generation portion 12 (step S204).Based on the operation control signal from the operation control portion13, the start-up control portion 15 supplies the power generation fuelFL charged in the fuel pack 20B to the power generation portion 12through the output control portion 14 and generates and outputs electricpower (first electric power) which can be the load drive electric powerby supplying a part of electric power (electric power E2) generated bythe sub power supply portion 11 as the start-up electric power to theoutput control portion 14 (or the output control portion 14 and thepower generation portion 12) (step S205). The load drive electric poweris supplied to the device DVC as the supply electric power together withthe controller electric power generated by the above-described sub powersupply portion 11 through the positive electrode terminal EL (+) and thenegative electrode terminal EL (−) (step S206). At this moment, thevoltage of the supply electric power supplied to the device changes soas to gradually increase from the voltage Vs in the above-describedstandby mode.

Here, in the above-described start-up operation, as shown in FIG. 36,when outputting the operation control signal for starting up the powergeneration portion 12 at the step S204, the operation control portion 13detects a change in voltage of the supply electric power (substantiallythe load drive electric power) which is generated and outputted by thepower generation portion 12 and supplied to the device DVC through thevoltage monitoring portion 16 at any given time by controlling theswitch MS to the conductive state so as to connect the voltagemonitoring portion 16 between the positive electrode terminal EL (+) andthe negative electrode terminal EL (−). Then, as shown in FIG. 37, theoperation control portion 13 notifies through the terminal portion ELxthe controller CNT in the device DVC of the voltage data itself of thesupply electric power detected by the voltage monitoring portion 16 atany given time, or a start-up operation end signal indicative of thefact that a predetermined voltage Va based on the electric power supplyrequest has been reached as power generation operation information. Whenthe voltage of the supply electric power supplied through the positiveelectrode terminal EL (+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (−) hasreached the voltage Va appropriate for driving the load LD, thecontroller CNT controls the switch LS to the conductive state andsupplies the supply electric power (load drive electric power) from thepower supply system in order to drive the load LD based on the powergeneration operation information notified from the operation controlportion 13.

(C) Steady Operation of Second Embodiment

Subsequently, in the steady operation, as shown in FIG. 38, as similarto the steps S107 to S110 described in connection with the firstembodiment, the operation control portion 13 monitors a change in thevoltage Va of the supply electric power (substantially a change involtage of the load drive electric power) supplied to the device DVCthrough the voltage monitoring portion 16 at any given time, andexecutes a feedback control so that the voltage of the supply electricpower can be set within a voltage range based on a predeterminedspecified value.

In such a steady operation, when the new drive state of the load LD iscontrolled and grasped by the controller CNT of the device DVC, as shownin FIG. 39, an electric power change request signal requesting supply ofnew electric power (for example, the supply electric power having avoltage Vb) according to the drive state of the load LD is outputted tothe operation control portion 13 through the terminal portion ELx as theload drive information. Upon receiving the load drive information, theoperation control portion 13 outputs to the output control portion 14 anoperation control signal for setting electric power generated andoutputted by the power generation portion 12 with respect to thestart-up control portion 15 to the load drive electric power accordingto the new drive state of the load LD (step S208).

Based on the operation control signal from the operation control portion13, the output control portion 14 adjusts an amount of the powergeneration fuel FL to be supplied to the power generation portion 12 ora heating time and a heating temperature of the heater (step S209), andcontrols so that the supply electric power supplied to the device DVC(load drive electric power) can have a voltage corresponding to the newdrive state of the load LD (step S210). That is, the operation controlportion 13 changes the specified value for setting the voltage rangeconcerning the feedback control to the voltage Vb based on the electricpower change request signal by receiving the electric power changerequest signal, and controls an amount of power generation in the powergeneration portion 12 so that the load drive electric power having avoltage corresponding to the changed voltage range can be generated. Asa result, since the appropriate electric power is supplied in accordancewith the drive state (load state) of the load LD on the device DVC side,the electric power corresponding to the power consumption of the deviceDVC (load LD) can be supplied, and the load LD can be excellentlydriven. Also, since a great change in voltage of the supply electricpower involved by a change in the drive state of the load LD can besuppressed, production of the operational malfunction or the like in thedevice DVC can be held down.

(D) Stop Operation of Second Embodiment

Subsequently, in the steady operation mentioned above, as shown in FIG.40, as similar to the steps S111 to S114 described in connection withthe first embodiment, as a result of change of the device DVC from theon state to the off state (for example, the switch LS for supplying theload drive electric power to the load LD is controlled for shutoff)during the feedback control for the supply electric power, or as aresult of the malfunction of the device DVC or the power supply system301 provoked for some reason, when the state that the voltage Va of thesupply electric power deviates from a predetermined voltage range iscontinuously detected for a predetermined period of time, the operationcontrol portion 13 performs processing for this detected state as avoltage malfunction and outputs an operation control signal to theoutput control portion 14. The operation control portion 13 thereby, forexample, shuts off supply of the power generation fuel FL to the powergeneration portion 12 and controls to stop the power generationoperation in the power generation portion 12 (automatic power supplyshutoff (auto power-off) operation).

Further, in the steady operation, as shown in FIG. 41, if the load LD isstopped by controlling the switch LS supplying electric power to theload LD to the shutoff state by the controller CNT when a user of thedevice DVC operates the power supply switch PS or the like (turningoff), or if the load is run out (ceased) by removing the power supplysystem 301 from the device DVC, stop of driving the load LD iscontrolled and grasped by the controller CNT of the device DVC, and anelectric power stop request signal requesting stop of supply of thesupply electric power (load drive electric power) from the power supplysystem is outputted to the operation control portion 13 through theterminal portion ELx as the load drive information. Upon receiving theload drive information (step S211), the operation control portion 13outputs to the output control portion 14 an operation control signal forstopping generation of electric power in the power generation portion 12(step S212). Based on the operation control signal from the operationcontrol portion 13, the output control portion 14 shuts off supply ofthe power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12 andstops heating of the heater for facilitating endoergic reaction forgenerating hydrogen (step S213). The output control portion 14 therebystops the power generation operation in the power generation portion 12and stops supply of the electric power (load drive electric power) otherthan the controller electric power to the device DVC (step S214).

Then, in the stop operation illustrated in FIG. 40 or 41, when theoperation control portion 13 grasps shutdown of the power generationportion 12 by, for example, outputting the operation control signal forstopping generation of electric power in the power generation portion12, or by detecting a change in voltage of the supply electric power(substantially the load drive electric power), which is attenuated byshutdown of the power generation portion 12, through the voltagemonitoring portion 16 at any given time, as shown in FIG. 42, theoperation control portion 13 electrically separates the voltagemonitoring portion 16 from the position between the positive electrodeterminal EL (+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (−) and notifiesthrough the terminal portion ELx the controller CNT in the device DVC ofa power supply shutoff notification signal (auto power-off notificationsignal) indicative of stop of the power generation operation in thepower generation portion 12 or an operation stop signal as powergeneration operation information. As a result, supply of the powergeneration fuel is shut off and the power generation portion 12 isautomatically shut down with respect to stop of driving the load LD inthe device DVC. Then, supply of the load drive electric power to thedevice DVC is stopped, and the power supply system 301 and the deviceDVC again enter the above-described standby mode.

As described above, according to the power supply system of thisembodiment, as similar to the first embodiment, the control forsupplying and stopping electric power which can be predetermined driveelectric power and the control for adjusting an amount of electric powerto be generated can be enabled in accordance with the drive state of thedevice (load) connected to the power supply system and, in particular,the power generation portion 12 can perform the power generationoperation only in a period of the operating mode in which the device DVCcan be normally driven. Therefore, the power generation fuel can beefficiently consumed, and the electromotive force can be maintained fora long time. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the power supplysystem which can realize the electrical characteristic substantiallyequivalent to that of the general-purpose chemical cell, has less burdenon the environment and has the extremely high energy utilizationefficiency.

In this embedment, although description has been given as tobi-directional information notification that the load drive informationis notified from the device DVC to the power supply system and the powergeneration operation information is notified from the power supplysystem to the device DVC, the present invention is not restrictedthereto. The load drive electric power according to the drive state ofthe load may be generated and outputted in the power supply system(power generation module) by performing at least one-way informationnotification that the load drive information is notified from the deviceDVC to the power supply system.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the power generation module applied to the powersupply system according to the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention. Here, as similar to the second embodiment mentionedabove, although description will be given as to the structure in whichpredetermined information is notified between the power supply systemand the device to which the power supply system is connected through theterminal portion ELx, it is needless to say that there may be provided astructure in which the power supply system is connected with the deviceonly through the electrode terminals (the positive electrode terminaland the negative electrode terminal) and any special notification is notcarried out between the power supply system and the device as similar tothe first embodiment. Furthermore, like reference numerals denotemembers equivalent to those in the first and second embodimentsmentioned above, thereby simplifying or omitting their explanation.

In the power generation modules 10A and 10B according to the first andsecond embodiments, description has been given as to the structure fordirectly exhausting the power generation fuel FL utilized in the subpower supply portion 11 to the outside of the power supply system 301,as exhaust gas, or collecting the power generation fuel FL by thelater-described by-product collecting means. In the power generationmodule 10C according to this embodiment, however, when a specific fuelcomponent such as hydrogen or a hydrogen compound is contained even ifthe power generation operation in the sub power supply portion 11involves or does not involve a change in component as a compound of thepower generation fuel FL, the power generation fuel FL utilized in thesub power supply portion 11 is directly reused as the power generationfuel in the power generation portion 12, or reused by extracting aspecific fuel component.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 43, the power generation module 10Caccording to this embodiment includes: a sub power supply portion 11having the structure and function similar to those in theabove-described second embodiment (see FIG. 32); a power generationportion 12; an operation control portion 13; an output control portion14; a start-up control portion 15; a voltage monitoring portion 16; andan electrode portion ELx. In particular, the power generation module 10Cis configured in such a manner that all or a part of the powergeneration fuel used for generating electric power in the sub powersupply portion 11 (which will be referred to as “exhaust fuel gas” forthe sake of convenience) can be supplied to the power generation portion12 through the output control portion 14 without being emitted to theoutside of the power generation module 10C.

The sub power supply portion 11 applied to this embodiment has thestructure capable of generating and outputting predetermined electricpower (second electric power) without consuming and converting a fuelcomponent of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20through the I/F portion 30 (for example, the power generation deviceshown in the second, third, fifth or seventh structural example in theabove-described first embodiment), or the structure for generating theexhaust fuel gas containing a fuel component which can be used for thepower generation operation in the power generation portion 12 even ifthe fuel component of the power generation fuel FL is consumed andconverted (for example, the power generation device shown in the fourthor sixth structural example in the above-described first embodiment).

In case of applying the power generation device shown in the first tosixth structural examples in the first embodiment mentioned above as thepower generation portion 12, as the power generation fuel FL charged inthe fuel pack 20, there is applied a fuel substance having theignitability or combustibility, for example, an alcohol-based liquidfuel such as methanol, ethanol or butanol, or a liquefied fuelconsisting of hydrocarbon such as dimethyl ether, isobutane or naturalgas, or a gas fuel such as hydrogen gas.

That is, the liquid fuel or the liquefied fuel is a liquid when it ischarged in the fuel pack 20 under predetermined charging conditions(temperature, pressure and others). Such a fuel is vaporized to becomefuel gas having the high pressure when shifting to predeterminedenvironmental conditions such as an ordinary temperature or an ordinarypressure at the time of supply to the sub power supply portion 11. Also,when the gas fuel is compressed with a predetermined pressure to becharged in the fuel pack 20 and supplied to the sub power supply portion11, it becomes fuel gas having the high pressure according to thecharging pressure. Therefore, after generating electric power (secondelectric power) from such a power generation fuel FL by using, e.g., thepressure energy of the fuel gas in the sub power supply portion 11,electric power (first electric power) can be produced by theelectrochemical reaction, the combustion reaction or the like using theexhaust fuel gas from the sub power supply portion 11 in the powergeneration portion 12.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment of the power generation module applied to the powersupply system according to the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention. Here, although description will be given as to thestructure in which predetermined information is notified between thepower supply system and the device to which the power supply system isconnected as similar to the second and third embodiments mentionedabove, the structure (structure explained in connection with the firstembodiment) in which any special notification is not carried out betweenthe power supply system and the device may be adopted. Furthermore, likereference numerals denote parts equivalent to those of the first tothird embodiments mentioned above, thereby simplifying or omitting theirexplanation.

As to the power generation modules 10A and 10B according to the first tothird embodiments mentioned above, description has been given onapplication of the structure as the sub power supply portion 11 in whichpredetermined electric power (second electric power) is constantlyautonomously generated by using the power generation fuel supplied fromthe fuel packs 20A and 20B. However, the power generation moduleaccording to this embodiment has the structure in which the sub powersupply portion 11 constantly autonomously generates predeterminedelectric power without using the power generation fuel FL charged in thefuel pack.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 44, the power generation module 10Daccording to this embodiment includes: a power generation portion 12having the structure and function similar to those in the secondembodiment (see FIG. 32) mentioned above; an operation control portion13; an output control portion 14; a start-up control portion 15; avoltage monitoring portion 16; and an electrode portion ELx, and alsohas a sub power supply portion 11 for constantly autonomously generatingpredetermined electric power (second electric power) without using thepower generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack.

As a concrete structure of the sub power supply portion 11, it ispossible to excellently apply, for example, one utilizing thermoelectricconversion based on a difference in temperature in the circumferenceenvironment of the power supply system 301 (temperature difference powergeneration), as well as one utilizing photoelectric conversion based onthe light energy entering from the outside of the power supply system301 (photovoltaic generation).

A concrete example of the sub power supply portion 11 will now bedescribed hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

(First Structural Example of Non-fuel Type Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIGS. 45A and 45B are schematic structural views showing a firststructural example of the sub power supply portion applicable to thepower generation module according to this embodiment.

In the first structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion 11S has a structure as a power generation device forgenerating electric power by thermoelectric conversion power generationutilizing a difference in temperature in the circumferential environmentinside and outside the power supply system 301.

As shown in FIG. 45A, the sub power supply portion 11S according to thefirst structural example has, for example, a structure of a temperaturedifference power generator including: a first temperature holdingportion 311 provided to one end side of the power supply system 301; asecond temperature holding portion 312 provided to the other end side ofthe power supply system 301; a thermoelectric conversion element 313having one end side connected to the first temperature holding portionside 311 and the other end connected to the second temperature holdingportion side 312. Here, the first and second temperature holdingportions 311 and 312 are constituted in such a manner that their heatquantities vary at any given time in accordance with a temperature stateof the circumferential environment inside and outside the power supplysystem 301, and their arrangement positions are set in such a mannerthat temperatures in the first and second temperature holding portions311 and 312 are different from each other.

Specifically, for example, it is possible to apply the structure thatany one of the first and second temperature holding portions 311 and 312is constantly exposed to outside air or atmosphere through an openingportion or the like (not shown) provided to the device DVC to which thepower supply system 301 is attached so that it can be maintained at afixed temperature. Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion element313 has the structure equivalent to that shown in the fourth structuralexample (see FIG. 8B) in the above-described first-embodiment.Incidentally, as to the structure of the sub power supply portion 11Shaving the temperature difference power generator, the sub power supplyportion 11S can be also integrated and formed in a small space byapplying the micromachine manufacturing technique in this embodiment, assimilar to the structure of the above-described embodiments.

In the sub power supply portion 11S having such a structure, as shown inFIG. 45B, when a temperature gradient is produced between the first andsecond temperature holding portions 311 and 312 with bias of thetemperature distribution in the surroundings of the power supply system301, the electromotive force according to the thermal energy obtainedfrom the temperature gradient is generated by the Seebeck effect in thethermoelectric conversion element 313, thereby producing electric power.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to thesub power supply portion, therefore, predetermined electric power isconstantly autonomously generated by the sub power supply portion 11S aslong as there is bias of the temperature distribution in thesurroundings of the power supply system 301, and it can be supplied toeach structure inside and outside the power supply system 301. Moreover,according to this structure, since all of the power generation fuel FLcharged in the fuel pack 20 can be utilized for generation of electricpower (first electric power) in the power generation portion 12, thepower generation fuel can be effectively used, and the electric power asthe load drive electric power can be supplied to the device DVC for along period of time.

Although description has been given as to the temperature differencepower generator for generating electric power with respect to bias ofthe temperature distribution in the surroundings by the Seebeck effectin this structural example, the present invention is not restrictedthereto, and it may have a structure for generating electric power basedon the thermoelectronic emission phenomenon that free electrons areemitted from the metal surface by heating the metal.

(Second Structural Example of Non-fuel Type Sub Power Supply Portion)

FIGS. 46A and 46B are schematic structural views showing a secondstructural example of the sub power supply portion 11T applicable to thepower generation module according to this embodiment.

In the second structural example, as a concrete example, the sub powersupply portion has a structure as a power generation device forgenerating electric power by photoelectric conversion power generationutilizing the light energy entering from the outside of the power supplysystem 301.

As shown in FIG. 46A, the sub power supply portion 11T according to thefirst structural example constitutes, for example, a known photoelectricconversion cell (solar cell) having a p-type semiconductor 321 and ann-type semiconductor 322 joined together.

When such a photoelectric conversion cell is irradiated with light(light energy) LT having a predetermined wavelength, electron-positivehole pairs are generated in the vicinity of a p-n junction portion 323by the photovoltaic effect, and electrons (−) polarized by the electricfield in the photoelectric conversion cell drift to the n-typesemiconductor 322 while positive holes (+) drift to the p-typesemiconductor 321, and the electromotive force is generated between theelectrodes (between the output terminals Oe and Of) respectivelyprovided to the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor,thereby producing electric power.

Here, in general, since an accommodation space for a cell (or a powersupply unit) in an existing device is arranged at a position where thelight energy (specifically, the sunbeam or the illumination light) onthe rear surface side or the like of the device is hard to enter or thisspace has a structure for completely accommodating the cell in thedevice, there is the possibility that the light can not sufficientlyenter the sub power supply portion. In case of attaching the powersupply system 301 to which the sub power supply portion 11T according tothis structural example is applied to the device DVC, therefore, asshown in FIG. 46B, it is necessary to apply a structure such that theminimum light energy (light LT having a predetermined wavelength)required for generating predetermined electric power in the sub powersupply portion 11T can enter by adopting the structure that an openingportion or portions HL are provided to the device DVC in advance or thestructure that a housing of the device DVC is constituted by atransparent or semitransparent member so that at least the sub powersupply portion 11 or the power generation module 10C can be exposed.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to thesub power supply portion, therefore, predetermined electric power can beconstantly autonomously generated by the sub power supply portion 11Tand supplied to each structure inside and outside the power supplysystem 301 as long as the device DVC is used in the environment wherethe predetermined light energy can enter, for example, the outdoor orindoor environment. In addition, according to this structure, since allof the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 can be usedfor producing electric power (first electric power) in the powergeneration portion 12, the power generation fuel can be effectivelyutilized.

Incidentally, in this structural example, in FIG. 46B, although only themost basic structure of the photoelectric conversion cell (solar cell)has been described, the present invention is not restricted thereto, astructure based on any other configuration or principle having thehigher power generation efficiency may be applied.

<By-Product Collecting Means>

By-product collecting means applicable to the power supply systemaccording to each embodiment mentioned above will now be described withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of by-productcollecting means applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention. Here, as similar to the second to fourth embodimentsmentioned above, although description will be given as to the structurein which predetermined information is notified between the power supplysystem and the device to which the power supply system is connected, astructure in which any special information is not notified between thepower supply system and the device (structure described in connectionwith the first embodiment) may be used. In addition, like referencenumerals denote parts equivalent to those in each embodiment mentionedabove, thereby simplifying or omitting their explanation.

In each of the above-described embodiments, when there is applied as thepower generation portion 12 or the sub power supply portion 11 thestructure for generating predetermined electric power with theelectrochemical reaction or the combustion reaction by using the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20E (the power generationportion or the sub power supply portion shown in each of the abovestructural examples), a by-product may be emitted besides the electricpower. Since such a by-product may contain a substance which can causeenvironmental destruction when emitted to the natural world or asubstance which can be a factor of the malfunction of the device towhich the power supply system is attached in some cases, it ispreferable to apply a structure including such by-product collectingmeans as described below because emission of such a by-product must besuppressed as much as possible.

In the power generation module 10E, the fuel pack 20E and the I/Fportion 30E having the structure and function equivalent to those ineach of the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIG. 47, theby-product collecting means applicable to the power supply systemaccording to the present invention has a configuration in which, forexample, a separation collection portion 17 for collecting all or a partof the by-product generated at the time of generation of electric powerin the power generation portion 12 is provided in the power generationmodule 10E and a collection holding portion 21 for fixedly holding thecollected by-product is provided in the fuel pack 20E. Incidentally,although only the case where the by-product generated in the powergeneration power 12 is collected will be described in detail, it isneedless to say that such a structure can be similarly applied to thesub power supply portion 11.

The separation collection portion 17 has the structure shown in each ofthe foregoing embodiments. In the power generation portion 12 (sub powersupply portion 11 may be included) for generating electric power whichcan be the load drive electric power (voltage/electric current) withrespect to the device DVC to which the power supply system 301 isattached, the separation collection portion 17 separates a by-productgenerated at the time of generation of the electric power or a specificcomponent in the by-product, and supplies it to the collection holdingportion 21 provided in the fuel pack 20E through a by-product collectionpath disposed in the I/F portion 30E.

Incidentally, in the power generation portion 12 (sub power supplyportion 11 may be included) to which each of the foregoing embodimentsis applied, as a by-product generated at the time of generation ofelectric power, there are water (H₂O), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfuroxide (SOx) and others, and all or a part of them or only a specificcomponent is collected by the separation collection portion 17 andsupplied to the by-product collection path. Meanwhile, if the collectedby-product is in a liquid state, the capillary phenomenon can beutilized in order to automatically supply the by-product from theseparation collection portion 17 to the collection holding portion 21 byforming the by-product collection path so that its inside diameter cancontinuously vary.

Further, the collection holding portion 21 is provided to the inside ora part of the fuel pack 20E, and configured so as to be capable ofsupplying and holding the by-product collected by the separationcollection portion 17 only when the fuel pack 20E is coupled with thepower generation module 10E. That is, in the power supply systemconfigured so that the fuel pack 20E can be attached to and detachedfrom the power generation module 10E without restraint, with the fuelpack 20E being separated from the power generation module 10E, theby-product or a specific component collected and held can be fixedly orirreversibly held in the collection holding portion 21 so that theby-product or a specific component can not leak or be exhausted to theoutside of the fuel pack 20E.

Here, as described above, in cases where water (H₂O), nitrogen oxide(NOx) or sulfur oxide (SOx) is produced as a by-product by powergeneration in the power generation portion 12, since water (H₂O) is in aliquid state at an ordinary temperature under an ordinary pressure, theby-product can be excellently supplied to the collection holding portion21 through the by-product collection path. However, in case of aby-product such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) or sulfur oxide (SOx) whoseevaporation point is below an ordinary temperature under an ordinarypressure and which is in a gas state, since there is the possibilitythat its cubic volume becomes extravagant and exceeds a preset capacityof the collection holding portion 21, the collected by-product may beliquefied and its cubic volume may be reduced by increasing the airpressure in the separation collection portion 17 and the collectionholding portion 21, thereby holding the by-product in the collectionholding portion 21.

Therefore, as a concrete structure of the collection holding portion 21,it is possible to excellently apply a structure capable of, e.g.,irreversibly absorbing, both absorbing and fixing, or fixing thecollected by-product or a specific component, for example, a structurethat the absorbing polymer is filled in the collection holding portion21, or a structure including collected material leak preventing meanssuch as a control valve which closes by the internal pressure of thecollection holding portion 21 or the physical pressure of a spring orthe like as similar to the above-described fuel leak preventing meansprovided to the fuel pack 20.

Moreover, in the power supply system provided with the by-productcollecting means having such a structure, in case of applying as thepower generation portion 12 such a fuel reforming type fuel cell asshown in FIG. 19, carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated together with hydrogengas (H₂) involved by the vapor reforming reaction, the aqueous shiftreaction and the selected oxidation reaction (see the chemical equations(1) to (3)) in the fuel reforming portion 210 a and water (H₂O)generated together with generation of electric power (first electricpower) involved by the electrochemical reaction (see the chemicalequations (6) and (7)) in the fuel cell portion 210 b are exhausted fromthe power generation portion 12 as by-products. However, since an amountof carbon dioxide (CO₂) to be supplied is very small and there is almostno influence on the device, it is emitted to the outside of the powersupply system as a non-collected substance and, on the other hand, water(H₂O) or the like is collected by the separation collection portion 17.Then, it is supplied to the collection holding portion 21 in the fuelpack 20E through the by-product collection path by utilizing thecapillary phenomenon and irreversibly held in the collection holdingportion 21, for example.

Here, since the electrochemical reaction (chemical equations (2) and(3)) in the power generation portion 12 (fuel cell portion) proceeds ata temperature of approximately 60 to 80, water (H₂O) generated in thepower generation portion 12 is exhausted in the substantially vapor(gas) state. Thus, the separation collection portion 17 liquefies only awater (H₂O) component by, for example, cooling the vapor emitted fromthe power generation portion 12 or by applying the pressure andseparates it from other gas components, thereby collecting thiscomponent.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, description has been given as to thecase where the fuel reforming type fuel cell is applied as the structureof the power generation portion 12 and methanol (CH₃OH) is applied asthe power generation fuel. Therefore, separation and collection of aspecific component (namely, water) in the separation collection portion17 can be relatively easily realized when the majority of the by-productinvolved by power generation is water (H₂O) and also a small amount ofcarbon dioxide (CO₂) is exhausted to the outside of the power supplysystem. However, when a substance other than methanol is applied as thepower generation fuel, or when a structure other than the fuel cell isapplied as the power generation portion 12, a relatively large amount ofcarbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SOx) orthe like may be generated together with water (H₂O) in some cases.

In such a case, after separating, for example, water as a liquid fromany other specific gas component (carbon dioxide or the like) generatedin large quantities in the separation collection portion 17 by theabove-described separation method, they may be held together orindividually in a single or a plurality of collection holding portions21 provided in the fuel pack 20E.

As described above, according to the power supply system to which theby-product collecting means according to this embodiment is applied,since emission or leak of the by-product to the outside of the powersupply system can be suppressed by irreversibly holding in thecollection holding portion 21 provided in the fuel pack 20E at least onecomponent of the by-product generated when generating electric power bythe power generation module 10E, the malfunction or deterioration of thedevice due to the by-product (for example, water) can be prevented.Also, by collecting the fuel pack 20E holding the by-product therein,the by-product can be appropriately processed by a method which does notimpose a burden on the natural environment, thereby preventing pollutionof the natural environment or global warming due to the by-product (forexample, carbon dioxide).

The by-product collected by the above-described separation collectionmethod is irreversibly held in the collection holding portion by thefollowing holding operation.

FIGS. 48A to 48C are views showing the operation for holding theby-product by the by-product collecting means according to thisembodiment. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalentto each of the foregoing embodiments, thereby simplifying or omittingtheir explanation.

As shown in FIG. 48A, the fuel pack 20 according to this embodiment hasa fixed capacity, and includes: a fuel charging space 22A in which thepower generation fuel FL such as methanol is charged or filled; acollection holding space 22B for holding therein a by-product such aswater supplied from the separation collection portion 17; a collectionbag 23 which relatively changes a capacity of the collection holdingspace 22B and completely separates the collection holding space 22B fromthe fuel charging space 22A as will be described later; a fuel supplyvalve 24A for supplying to the output control portion 14 the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel charging space 22A; and aby-product intake valve (intake port) 24B for fetching the by-productsupplied from the separation collection portion 17 to the collectionholding space 22B.

As described above, both the fuel supply valve 24A and the by-productintake valve 24B have the structure provided with, e.g., a function of acheck valve so that supply of the power generation fuel FL or intake ofthe by-product can be enabled only when the fuel pack 20 is coupled withthe power generation module 10E through the I/F portion 30E.Incidentally, in place of providing a function of the check valve to theby-product intake valve 24B as described above, there may be employed astructure in which the absorbing (water absorption) polymer or the likeis filled in the collection holding portion 22B.

In the fuel pack 20 having such a structure, when the power generationfuel charged in the fuel charging space 22A is supplied to the powergeneration module 10E (the power generation portion 12, the sub powersupply portion 11) through the fuel supply valve 24A, the operation forgenerating predetermined electric power is executed, and only a specificcomponent (for example, water) in the by-product generated by theseparation collection portion 17 with generation of electric power isseparated and collected. Then, it is fetched and held in the collectionholding space 22B through the by-product collection path and theby-product intake valve 24B.

As a result, as shown in FIGS. 48B and 48C, the capacity of the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel charging space 22A is decreasedand, on the whole, the capacity of a specific component or substanceheld in the collection holding space 22B is increased. At this moment,applying the structure in which the absorbing polymer or the like isfilled in the collection holding space 22B can control the capacity ofthe collection holding space 22B so that the collection holding space22B can have a larger capacity than a substantial capacity of thefetched by-product.

Therefore, as to the relationship between the fuel charging spaces 22Aand 22B, these spaces are not simply relatively increased or decreasedwith the operation for generation electric power (power generation) inthe power generation module 10, but the pressure is applied to the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel charging space 22A by pushing thecollection bag 23 toward the outside with a predetermined pressure asshown in FIG. 48B in accordance with an amount of the by-product held inthe collection holding space 22B. Supply of the power generation fuel FLto the power generation module 10E can be, therefore, appropriatelycarried out, and the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuelcharging space 22A can be supplied until it is completely run out by theby-product held in the collection holding space 22B as shown in FIG.48C.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, description has been given as to thecase where all or a part of the by-product separated and collected bythe separation collection portion 17 additionally provided to the powergeneration module 10E is collected and held in the fuel pack 20 and anon-collected substance is emitted to the outside of the power supplysystem 301. However, there may be employed a structure in which all or apart of the collected by-product (for example, water) is reused as afuel component when generating electric power in the power generationmodule 10E (in particular, the power generation portion 12 and the subpower supply portion 11). Specifically, in the structure in which thepower generation device consisting of a fuel cell is applied as thepower generation portion 12 (the sub power supply portion 11 may beincluded), water is generated as a part of the by-product. As describedabove, however, in the fuel reforming type fuel cell, since water isrequired for the vapor reforming reaction or the like of the powergeneration fuel, it is possible to adopt a structure that a part ofwater in the collected by-product is supplied to the power generationportion 12 and reused for such a reaction as indicated by dotted arrows(notated as “collected material to be reused”) in FIG. 47. According tothis structure, since an amount of water charged in the fuel pack 20 inadvance together with the power generation fuel FL for the vaporreforming reaction or the like and an amount of a by-product (water)held in the collection holding portion 21 can be reduced, a largeramount of the power generation fuel FL can be charged in the fuel pack20 having a fixed capacity, thereby improving the electric power supplycapability as the power supply system.

<Residual Quantity Detecting Means>

Residual quantity detecting means for the power generation fuelapplicable to the power supply system according to each of the foregoingembodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 49 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of residual quantitydetecting means applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention. Further, FIG. 50 is a view showing a start-upoperation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment;FIG. 51, a view showing a steady operation state of the power supplysystem according to this embodiment; and FIG. 52, a view showing a stopoperation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment.Here, as similar to the second to fourth embodiments, description willbe given as to the case where predetermined information is notifiedbetween the power supply system and the device to which the power supplysystem is connected. It is, however, possible to apply a structure inwhich any special notification is not carried out between the powersupply system and the device (structure shown in the first embodiment).Furthermore, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent tothose in each of the foregoing embodiments, thereby simplifying oromitting their explanation.

As shown in FIG. 49, in the power generation module 10F, the fuel pack20F and the I/F portion 30F having the structure and function equivalentto those in each of the above-described embodiments, the fuel residualquantity detecting means applicable to the power supply system accordingto the present invention has a structure in which a residual quantitydetection portion 18 for detecting an amount of the power generationfuel FL remaining in the fuel pack 20F (residual quantity) andoutputting its residual quantity detection signal to the operationcontrol portion 13 is provided to the inside of any of the powergeneration module 10F, the I/F portion 30F and the fuel pack 20F (here,inside of the power generation module 10F).

The residual quantity detection portion 18 is used for detecting anamount of the power generation fuel FL remaining in the fuel pack 20F.For example, when the power generation fuel FL is charged in the fuelpack 20F in the liquid state, a residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL is detected by adopting a technique for measuring aliquid level of the fuel by an optical sensor or the like or a techniquefor measuring a change in attenuation of the light (dimming ratio) whichhas passed through the fuel. Then, a residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL detected by the residual quantity detection portion18 is outputted to the operation control portion 13 as a residualquantity detection signal. Based on the residual quantity detectionsignal, the operation control portion 13 outputs an operation controlsignal for controlling the operation state in the power generationportion 12 to the output control portion 14, and outputs informationconcerning a residual quantity of the power generation fuel to thecontroller CNT contained in the device DVC. It is to be noted that theresidual quantity detection portion 18 is driven with electric powerfrom the sub power supply portion 11 every time the fuel pack 20F havingthe power generation fuel FL charged therein is coupled with the powergeneration module 10F and the I/F portion 30F.

In the power supply system having such a structure, the operationcontrol equivalent to that in the second embodiment mentioned above(including the case where the operation control in the first embodimentis simultaneously executed in parallel) can be basically applied, and anoperation control inherent to this embodiment such as described belowcan be applied in addition to the above control.

At first, in the start-up operation in the overall operation describedin connection with the first and second embodiments (see FIGS. 27 and34), when the operation control portion 13 detects a change in voltageof the supply electric power through the voltage monitoring portion 16or when it receives load drive information which is notified from thecontroller CNT contained in the device DVC and requests electric powersupply, the operation control portion 13 makes reference to the residualquantity detection signal from the residual quantity detection portion18 and makes judgment upon whether the power generation fuel FL whoseamount is enough for normally starting up the power generation portion12 remains before the operation for outputting to the start-up controlportion 15 the operation control signal for starting up the powergeneration portion 12 (steps S104 or S204).

When the operation control portion 13 determines that the powergeneration fuel having a sufficient amount required for the start-upoperation for the power generation portion 12 remains in the fuel pack20F based on the residual quantity detection signal, the operationcontrol portion 13 executes the start-up operation (steps S104 to S106or S204 to S206) described in connection with the above first or secondembodiment, generates the load drive electric power by the powergeneration portion 12, and supplies the predetermined supply capabilityto the device DVC.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 50, when the operation controlportion 13 determines that the power generation fuel having a sufficientamount required for the start-up operation remains in the fuel pack 20Fbased on the residual quantity detection signal (when it detects aresidual quantity error), the operation control portion 13 notifies thecontroller CNT in the device DVC of a start-up error signal based on theresidual quantity error as the power generation operation informationthrough the terminal portion ELx. As a result, the controller CNT cannotify a device DVC user of information concerning the residual quantityerror and urge appropriate processing such as replacement of the powersupply system or replenishment of the power generation fuel.

Furthermore, in the steady operation in the overall operation describedin connection with the first or second embodiment (see FIGS. 27 and 34),as shown in FIG. 51, the operation control portion 13 can sequentiallymonitor the residual quantity detection signal (residual quantity)detected through the residual quantity detection portion 18, andnotifies through the terminal portion ELx the controller CNT in thedevice DVC of a residual quantity information signal such as an assumedremaining time in which the actual residual quantity data itself, aresidual quantity ratio or electric power can be outputted to thecontroller CNT contained in the device DVC as power generation operationinformation.

As shown in FIG. 51, the operation control portion 13 may output to theoutput control portion 14, for example, an operation control signal forcontrolling an amount of electric power generation in the powergeneration portion 12 in accordance with a residual quantity of thepower generation fuel FL detected through the residual quantitydetection portion 18, adjust an amount of the power generation fuelsupplied to the power generation portion 12 so as to be reduced as aresidual quantity of the power generation fuel FL is decreased, andcontrol the load drive electric power (substantially a voltage of thesupply electric power supplied to the device DVC) generated by the powergeneration portion 12 to gradually vary (lower) with time.

Consequently, the controller CNT can accurately grasp a residualquantity of the power generation fuel in the power supply system or anassumed time enabling driving the device DVC based on a residualquantity information signal or a change in voltage of the supplyelectric power, and notify a user of information urging replacement ofthe power supply system or replenishment of the power generation fuel.Therefore, for example, the function for notifying a device user of aresidual quantity of the cell can be excellently operated based on anoutput voltage from the power supply or a residual quantity of the cell,thereby realizing the use conformation substantially equivalent to thatin case of applying the general-purpose chemical cell as the operatingelectric power of the device.

In this steady operation, when the operation control portion 13 detectsa residual quantity error such as sudden drop in a residual quantity ofthe power generation fuel FL from the residual quantity detectionportion 18 during the feedback control of the supply electric power(load drive electric power generated by the power generation portion 12)as shown in FIG. 52, the operation control portion 13 shuts off supplyof the power generation fuel to the power generation portion 12 andstops the power generation operation of the power generation portion 12by outputting to the output control portion 14 an operation controlsignal for stopping generation of electric power in the power generationportion 12, as the power generation operation information. Moreover, theoperation control portion 13 stops heating by the heater forfacilitating the endoergic reaction for generating hydrogen, andnotifies through the terminal portion ELx the controller CNT in thedevice DVC of an abnormal stop signal based on the residual quantityerror or stop of the operation in the power generation portion 12 as thepower generation operation information. As a result, the controller CNTcan notify a device DVC user of information concerning stop of theoperation involved by the residual quantity error, and urge to takeappropriate measures for occurrence of leak or the like of the powergeneration fuel FL from the fuel pack 20F to the outside of the powersupply system 301.

The structure of each block will now be described concretelyhereinafter.

Fifth Embodiment

(A) Power Generation Module 10

Description will now be given as to a fifth embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention with reference to FIG. 53. Here, like referencenumerals denote structures equivalent to those in the first embodiment,thereby simplifying or omitting their explanation.

The power generation module 10G according to this embodiment isconfigured to generally include: a sub power supply portion (secondpower supply means) 11 which constantly autonomously generatespredetermined electric power (second electric power) by using the powergeneration fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20G through the I/F portion30G and outputs it as at least drive electric power (controller electricpower) for the controller CNT which is contained in the device DVCconnected to the power supply system 301 and controls to drive the loadLD (an element or a module having various kinds of functions for thedevice DVC) and operating electric power for the later-describedoperation control portion 13 which is provided in the power generationmodule 10G; an operation control portion 13 which operates with electricpower supplied from the sub power supply portion 11 and controls theoperation state of the entire power supply system 301;

-   -   a power generation portion (first power supply means) 12 which        generates predetermined electric power (first electric power) by        using the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20G        through the I/F portion 30G or a specific fuel component        extracted from the power generation fuel, and outputs it as at        least load drive electric power for driving various kinds of        functions (load LD) of the device DVC connected to the power        supply system 301; an output control portion 14 which controls        at least an amount of the power generation fuel to be supplied        to the power generation portion 12 and/or an amount of electric        power to be supplied based on an operation control signal from        the operation control portion 13; and a start-up control portion        15 which controls at least the power generation portion 12 so as        to shift from the standby mode to the operation mode capable of        power generation based on an operation control signal from the        operation control portion 13. The operation control portion 13,        the output control portion 14 and the start-up control portion        15 according to this embodiment constitute system controlling        means in the present invention.

The power generation module 10G has a structure in which a residualquantity detection portion 18 for detecting an amount of the powergeneration fuel FL remaining in the fuel pack 20G (residual quantity)and outputting its residual quantity detection signal to the operationcontrol portion 13 is provided to the inside of any of the powergeneration module 10G, the I/F portion 30G or the fuel pack 20G (here,inside of the power generation module 10G).

That is, the power supply system 301 according to this embodiment isconfigured to be capable of outputting predetermined electric power(load drive electric power) to the device DVC connected to the powersupply system 301 without depending on fuel supply or control from theoutside of the system (other than the power generation module 10G, thefuel pack 20G and the I/F portion 30G).

<Sub Power Supply Portion 11 in Fifth Embodiment>

As shown in FIG. 53, the sub power supply portion 11 applied to thepower generation module according to this embodiment is configured toconstantly autonomously generate predetermined electric power (secondelectric power) required for the start-up operation of the power supplysystem 301 by using the physical or chemical energy of the powergeneration fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20G. In addition, thiselectric power is roughly constituted by: drive electric power(controller electric power) for the controller which is contained in thedevice DVC and controls its drive state; electric power E1 which isconstantly supplied as the operating electric power for the operationcontrol portion 13 for controlling the operation state of the entirepower generation module 10G and the residual quantity detection portion18 for detecting a residual quantity of the power generation fuel FLcharged in the fuel pack 20G; and electric power E2 which is supplied toat least the output control portion 14 (the power generation portion 12may be included depending on structures), the start-up control portion15 and the residual quantity detection portion 18 as start-up electricpower (voltage/electric current) at the time of starting up the powergeneration module 10G. It is to be noted that the electric power whichcan be the operating electric power for the residual quantity detectionportion 18 may be configured to be supplied after starting up the powergeneration module 10G by the start-up control portion 15 as well as itis constantly supplied.

As a concrete structure of the sub power supply portion 11, for example,one utilizing the electrochemical reaction using the power generationfuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20G (fuel cell) or one utilizing thethermal energy involved by the catalytic combustion reaction(temperature difference power generation) can be excellently applied.Also, it is possible to apply one utilizing the dynamic energyconversion action or the like for generating electric power by rotatingthe power generator by using a charging pressure for the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20G or a gas pressuregenerated by evaporation of the fuel (gas turbine power generation), onecapturing the electron generated from metabolism (photosynthesis,aspiration or the like) by microbes using the power generation fuel FLas a source of nutrition and directly converting it into electric power(biochemical power generation), one converting the vibration energyproduced from the fluid energy of the power generation fuel FL based onthe charging pressure or the gas pressure into electric power byutilizing the principle of electromagnetic induction (vibration powergeneration), one utilizing discharge from a unit of electric powerstoring means such as a secondary cell (battery charger) or a capacitor,one storing electric power generated by each structure performing thepower generation in the electric power storing means (secondary cell,capacitor or the like) and emitting (discharging) it, or the like.

<Overall Operation of Fifth Embodiment>

The overall operation of the power supply system having theabove-described structure will now be described with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supplysystem. Here, description will be given while appropriately makingreference to the structure of the above-described power supply system(FIG. 53).

As shown in FIG. 54, the power supply system 301 having theabove-described structure is controlled to generally execute: an initialoperation (steps S101 and S102) for supplying the power generation fuelFL charged in the fuel pack 20 to the power generation module 10 andconstantly continuously generating and outputting electric power (secondelectric power) which can be the operating electric power and thecontroller electric power in the sub power supply portion 11;

-   -   a start-up operation (steps S103 to S106) for supplying the        power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 to the        power generation portion 12 based on a residual quantity of the        power generation fuel in the fuel pack 20 and drive of the load        LD in the device DVC, and generating and outputting electric        power (first electric power) which can be load drive electric        power; a steady operation (steps S109 to S113) for adjusting an        amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power        generation portion 12 based on a residual quantity of the power        generation fuel and the drive state of the load LD, and        performing feedback control for generating and outputting        electric power according to the drive state of the load LD; and        a stop operation (steps S114 to S116) for shutting off supply of        the power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12        based on stop of the load LD and stopping generation of electric        power. As a result, the power supply system applicable even in        an existing device DVC can be realized.

(A) Initial Operation of Fifth Embodiment

At first, in the initial operation, in the power supply system in whichthe power generation module 10 and the fuel pack 20 are integrallyconfigured through the I/F portion 30, by releasing the shutoff state ofthe fuel feed path of the I/F portion 30 at the time of, e.g.,attachment to the device, the power generation fuel charged in the fuelpack 20 moves in the fuel feed path by the capillary phenomenon of thefuel feed path and is automatically supplied to the sub power supplyportion 11 of the power generation module 10 (step S101). In the subpower supply portion 11, at least electric power (second electric power)which can be the operating electric power for the operation controlportion 13 and the drive electric power (controller electric power) forthe controller CNT included in the device DVC is autonomously generatedand constantly continuously outputted (only electric power which can bethe operating electric power for the operation control portion 13 andthe residual quantity detection portion 18 is outputted until the powersupply system is connected to the device) (step S102).

On the other hand, in the power supply system configured in such amanner that the power generation module 10 and the fuel pack 20 can beattached and detached without restraint, by coupling the fuel pack 20 tothe power generation module 10 through the I/F portion 30, the leakprevention function of fuel leak preventing means provided to the fuelpack 20 is released, and the power generation fuel charged in the fuelpack 20 moves in the fuel feed path by the capillary phenomenon of thefuel feed path and is automatically supplied to the sub power supplyportion 11 of the power generation module 10 (step S101). In the subpower supply portion 11, electric power (second electric power) whichcan be at least the operating electric power and the controller electricpower is autonomously generated and constantly continuously outputted(only electric power which can be the operating electric power for theoperation control portion 13 and the residual quantity detection portion16 is outputted until the power supply system is connected to thedevice) (step S102).

As a result, the operation control portion 13 and the residual quantitydetection portion 16 of the power generation module 10 become operativeand monitor the load drive information from the device DVC and theresidual quantity detection signal from the residual quantity detectionportion 16. In addition, when the power supply system is connected tothe device DVC, a part of electric power generated by the sub powersupply portion 11 is supplied to the controller CNT contained in thedevice DVC as the controller electric power, and the controller CNT isdriven to control drive of the load LD of the device DVC. Also, theoperation control portion 13 of the power supply system 301 (powergeneration module 10) is informed of the drive state as the load driveinformation.

(B) Start-Up Operation of Fifth Embodiment

Subsequently, in the start-up operation, when a device DVC user or thelike performs the operation for driving the load LD, an electric powersupply request signal requesting supply of electric power (firstelectric power) which can be the load drive electric power for theoperation control portion 13 of the power generation module 10 isoutputted from the controller CNT as the load drive information. Uponreceiving the load drive information indicative of the voltagedisplacement inputted through the terminal portion ELx of the powersupply system 301 (step S103), the operation control portion 13 makesreference to residual quantity data of the power generation fuel FLbased on the residual quantity detection signal outputted from theresidual quantity detection portion 16 and makes judgment upon whetherthe power generation fuel FL having an amount capable of normallyexecuting the start-up operation (step S104) presents or not, before thestart-up operation of the power generation module 10.

Here, when an error is detected in the residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL (for example, when the residual quantity is zero),the operation control portion 13 outputs fuel residual quantityinformation concerning an error in the residual quantity to thecontroller CNT of the device DVC, notifies a device DVC user of thiserror and stops the start-up operation. On the other hand, when it isdetermined that the sufficient power generation fuel FL remains in thefuel pack 20, the operation control portion 13 outputs to the start-upcontrol portion 15 an operation control signal for starting the powergeneration portion (start-up) in the power generation portion 12 (stepS105).

Based on the operation control signal from the operation control portion13, by supplying a part of electric power generated by the sub powersupply portion 11 to the output control portion 14 and the powergeneration portion 12 as the start-up electric power (step S106), thestart-up control portion 15 supplies the power generation fuel FLcharged in the fuel pack 20 to the power generation portion 12 throughthe output control portion 14 and performs the operation for generatingelectric power (first electric power) which can be the load driveelectric power and outputting it to the device DVC (load LD) (stepS107). As a result, upon receiving the power generation fuel, the powergeneration portion 12 is automatically started up in response to arequest for driving the load LD in the device DVC, and the load driveelectric power consisting of a predetermined output voltage is supplied.Therefore, the load LD can be excellently driven while realizing theelectric power characteristic substantially equivalent to that of thegeneral-purpose chemical cell.

In this start-up operation, the operation control portion 13 may beconfigured to monitor a change in voltage of the electric power (loaddrive electric power) generated by the power generation portion 12 andsupplied to the device DVC as one of load drive information and output astart-up end signal indicating that a predetermined voltage is reachedto the controller CNT of the device DVC. Consequently, based on avoltage value of the load drive electric power, the present inventioncan be also excellently applied as a power supply to the device DVChaving a structure for controlling the drive state of the load LD.

(C) Steady Operation of Fifth Embodiment

Then, in the steady operation after the above-described start-upoperation, as the overall control (voltage control with time) for anoutput voltage of the load drive electric power, until the operationcontrol portion 13 shifts to the later-described stop operation basedon, e.g., stop of the load LD, the operation control portion 13constantly or periodically detects a residual quantity detection signalfrom the residual quantity detection portion 16 and monitors residualquantity data of the power generation fuel FL (step S109); makesreference to a predetermined correlation table in which the correlationbetween a residual quantity of the power generation fuel and an outputvoltage is determined based on the residual quantity data (step S110);and outputs to the output control portion 14 an operation control signalfor controlling in such a manner that an amount of electric power to begenerated (amount of power generation) in the power generation portion12 varies in accordance with a predetermined output voltagecharacteristic (step S111).

Here, by making reference to the correlation table, the operationcontrol portion 13 outputs an operation control signal for controllingin such a manner that an output voltage of the load drive electric poweroutputted from the power generation module 10 varies while demonstratingthe output voltage characteristic equivalent to, for example, a tendencyof a voltage change with time in one type of general-purpose chemicalcells (for example, a manganese cell, an alkali cell, a button typealkali cell, a coin-shaped lithium cell, and others). At this moment,the operation control portion 13 outputs to the controller CNT includedin the device DVC the actual residual quantity data itself or a residualquantity ratio or an estimated remaining time, with which electric powercan be outputted, as fuel residual quantity information.

Based on the operation control signal from the operation control portion13, the output control portion 14 adjusts an amount of the powergeneration fuel FL supplied to the power generation portion 12 (stepS112), and controls in such a manner that an output voltage of the loaddrive electric power supplied to the device DVC can be set to a voltagein accordance with the output voltage characteristic (step S113). As aresult, since the output voltage of the load drive electric powersupplied from the power supply system 301 to the device DVC demonstratesa tendency of changes with time equivalent to that of thegeneral-purpose chemical cell, the existing residual quantitynotification function that the controller CNT included in the device DVChas can be excellently operated based on the output voltage or the fuelresidual quantity information, and a user of the device DVC can beperiodically or continuously informed of a residual quantity of the cellor an estimated time with which the load LD can be driven.

Further, as the partial control for the output voltage of the load driveelectric power (individual voltage control), in addition to theabove-described overall control, the operation control portion 13 mayreceive a change in the output voltage of the load drive electric powersupplied from the power generation portion 12 to the device DVC as loaddrive information and output to the output control portion 14 anoperation control signal for controlling an amount of electric power(amount of power generation) generated in the power generation portion12 to be increased or decreased in such a manner that the output voltageof the load drive electric power can be set within a predeterminedvoltage range (a fluctuation allowable range of the output voltage whichvaries in accordance with the output voltage characteristic in thegeneral-purpose chemical cell mentioned above). As a result, the outputcontrol portion 14 adjusts an amount of the power generation fuel FLsupplied to the power generation portion 12 based on the operationcontrol signal from the operation control portion 13, and the feedbackcontrol is executed so that the output voltage of the load driveelectric power supplied to the device DVC can be set within theabove-described voltage range. Therefore, even if the voltage of theload drive electric power varies due to a change in the drive state(load state) of the load LD on the device DVC side, it is possible tosupply electric power according to power consumption of the device DVCwhich varies with the drive of the load LD.

Furthermore, if the drive state of the load LD is grasped by thecontroller CNT of the device DVC and there is provided a function forrequesting supply of the electric power according to the drive state thepower supply system side, the operation control portion 13 may, as thefurther partial control of the output voltage of the load drive electricpower, receive an electric power change request signal from thecontroller CNT as the load drive information and output to the outputcontrol portion 14 an operation control signal for setting the electricpower generated in the power generation portion 12 to an output voltageaccording to the request. As a result, based on the operation controlsignal from the operation control portion 13, the output control portion14 adjusts an amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to thepower generation portion 12, the control is carried out in such a mannerthat the output voltage of the load drive electric power supplied to thedevice DVC can be set to a voltage according to the request, andappropriate electric power can be supplied in accordance with the drivestate (load state) of the load LD on the device DVC side. Therefore,changes in the voltage of the load drive electric power involved byvariations in the drive state of the load LD can be considerablysuppressed and occurrence of operation errors in the device DVC can beheld down.

Here, description will be given as to the output voltage characteristicapplied to the overall control for the output voltage of the load driveelectric power mentioned above in detail.

FIG. 55 is a characteristic view showing changes in the output voltageof the power supply system according to this embodiment with time. Here,description will be given on comparison in the electromotive forcecharacteristic (output voltage characteristic; see FIGS. 76 and 77)between the general-purpose chemical cell and the prior art fuel cellwhile appropriately making reference to the structure of theabove-described power supply system (FIG. 53).

As shown in FIG. 55, as to the output voltage characteristic (which willbe written as the “first output voltage characteristic Sa” forconvenience of explanation) in the power supply system according to thisembodiment, for example, the output voltage is controlled so as todemonstrate a tendency of changes substantially equivalent to a tendencyof changes with time of the output voltage (electromotive forcecharacteristic Sp) involved by discharge in the general-purpose chemicalcell shown in FIG. 76. That is, at least an amount of the powergeneration fuel FL to be supplied to the power generation portion 12 bythe output control portion 14 is controlled (set to be decreased) sothat power generation state in the power generation portion 12 of thepower generation module 20 can be attenuated in accordance with elapseof the time involved by discharge (in other words, a residual quantityof the liquid fuel in the fuel pack 20).

Specifically, in regard to the method for controlling the output voltageaccording to this embodiment, as described above, a quantity of thepower generation fuel FL remaining in the fuel pack 20 is first detectedby the residual quantity detection portion 16, and its residual quantitydetection signal is constantly (continuously) or periodically inputtedto the operation control portion 13. Here, a residual quantity of thepower generation fuel FL is, however, reduced in accordance with elapseof the time involved by generation of electric power in the powergeneration portion 12, and hence a residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL and the lapsed time has the close correlation.

On the other hand, the operation control portion 13 is provided with acorrelation table having the first output voltage characteristic Sa bywhich the correlation between a residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL and the output voltage is uniquely defined so as tocorrespond to a tendency of changes with time of the output voltageinvolved by discharge in the general-purpose chemical cell (a manganesecell, an alkali cell, a button type alkali cell, a coin-shaped lithiumcell and others) shown in FIG. 76 in advance. As a result, the operationcontrol portion 13 associates a residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL obtained by the residual quantity detection signalwith elapse of the time involved by discharge, uniquely determines anoutput voltage based on the characteristic curve (first output voltagecharacteristic Sa) shown in FIG. 55, and performs adjustment so as tosupply the power generation fuel FL whose amount corresponds to thisoutput voltage to the power generation portion 12. Here, uniquelydefining the correlation between a residual quantity of the liquid fueland the output voltage means the relationship that the an output voltagevalue or an output electric power value corresponds to a residualquantity of the power generation fuel FL one on one as shown in FIG. 4,and this is not restricted to one demonstrating a tendency of thechanges indicated by a curve as shown by the characteristic curve inFIG. 55 but may be one which varies in the form of a primary straightline.

Moreover, as to an output of the general-purpose chemical cell, sincethe displacement of the output voltage with time differs depending oneach capacity of, e.g., D to AAAA size batteries or a coin-shapedbattery, the shape and dimension of the power supply system according tothis embodiment may comply with the shape and dimension of thegeneral-purpose chemical cell in conformity to the standards of thegeneral-purpose chemical cell as will be described later, and thecorrelation table (output voltage characteristic) of the operationcontrol portion 13 may be set in such a manner that the output voltageaccording to a residual quantity of the power generation fuel FL accordswith or approximates to or becomes analogical with the output voltageaccording to the remaining duration of life of a chemical cell of thesame type. Therefore, for example, a trajectory of changes with time ofthe output voltage of the D size fuel power supply system according tothe present invention is set so that it matches with a trajectory ofchanges with time of the attenuated output voltage in the electromotiveforce of any of various kinds of chemical cells such as a D sizemanganese cell according to JIS or it is enlarged or decreased along thetime axis.

That is, as described above, although a residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL and the lapsed time have the close correlation, thisrelationship does not have to necessarily match with the relationshipbetween a battery residual quantity of the general-purpose chemical celland the lapsed time in charge. Namely, in case of applying the fuel cellor the like as a structure of the power generation portion 12, sincethere is a characteristic that the energy conversion efficiency becomeshigher than that of the general-purpose chemical cell, the voltage maychange (lower) in units of longer time than that of the first outputvoltage characteristic Sa corresponding to a tendency of changes involtage with time in the general-purpose chemical cell, as indicated by,e.g., a second output voltage characteristic Sb in FIG. 55.

Specifically, in the first output voltage characteristic Sa, assumingthat the lower limit of the operation guaranteed voltage range is avoltage V₀ and a time required for reaching the voltage V₀ is T₀, a timewhich is ½ of the time T₀, namely, the time when the remaining durationof like becomes half is determined as T_(0.5) and a voltage at thismoment is determined as V_(0.5). Here, it is preset that the residualquantity notification Ia is carried out when the controller CNT includedin the device DVC detects that the output voltage of the power supplysystem has reached the voltage V₀.

On the other hand, in the second output voltage characteristic Sb,assuming that a voltage when a residual quantity of the power generationfuel FL is substantially zero is set to be equal to the voltage V₀ ofthe chemical cell and a time required to reach the voltage V₀ is T₀′, atime which is ½ of the time T₀′, namely, the time when the remainingduration of life becomes half is determined as T_(0.5)′ and a voltage atthis moment is set to be equal to the voltage V_(0.5) of the chemicalcell.

That is, an amount of the power generation fuel FL to be supplied or anamount of oxygen or air to be supplied set by the output control portion14 is controlled in such a manner that the voltage outputted from thepower generation module 10 when a residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 becomes half is equal tothe voltage when a residual quantity of the electromotive force in theoperation guaranteed voltage range of the general-purpose chemical cellbecomes half and the voltage when a residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL is substantially zero is equal to the voltage when aresidual quantity of the electromotive force in the operation guaranteedvoltage range of the general-purpose chemical cell is substantiallyzero.

As described above, in cases where the power supply system according tothis embodiment is applied as a power supply of the device DVC, when theoutput voltage uniquely determined based on a residual quantity of thepower generation fuel FL reaches a voltage below the operationguaranteed voltage range of the device DVC irrespective of the lapsedtime involved by discharge, the residual quantity notification Ib forurging replacement or charge of the cell is carried out by the deviceDVC, and this timing does not have to match with the timing of theresidual quantity notification Ia when using the general-purposechemical cell.

Therefore, the duration of life T₀′ (point in time at which the outputvoltage becomes below the lower limit of the operation guaranteedvoltage range of the device DVC with reduction in the power generationfuel FL) of the power supply system according to this embodiment doesnot have to be matched with the duration of life T₀ of thegeneral-purpose chemical cell, and a time-output voltage characteristicsuch that a trajectory enlarged or decreased along the time axis T isdrawn can suffice. Incidentally, the residual quantity detection portion16 may detect a minutely divided residual quantity of the powergeneration fuel FL, for example, when a residual quantity is 33% or 25%without restricting detection to only the timing when a residualquantity of the power generation fuel FL becomes half or substantiallyzero. At any rate, it is good enough to set an output voltage whichsubstantially match with the output voltage according to a residualquantity of the electromotive force of the chemical cell.

According to the power supply system having such an output voltagecharacteristic, since the output voltage from the power supply systemdemonstrates a tendency of changes with time equivalent to that of thegeneral-purpose chemical cell when applied to the existing device DVC asthe operating electric power, when the existing residual quantitynotification function is excellently operated by detecting a change inthis output voltage by means of the controller CNT provided in thedevice DVC, a residual quantity of the cell or an estimated time withwhich the device DVC can be driven can be periodically or continuouslydisplayed, or the residual quantity notification urging replacement orcharge of the cell can be accurately carried out by the device DVC whena voltage which is below the operation guaranteed voltage range of thedevice DVC is reached.

In addition, as will be described, when the power supply system (powergeneration module) according to this embodiment is integrated in a smallspace by applying the micromachine manufacturing technique, reduced insize and weight and configured to have the outside shape or dimensionsequivalent to those of a commercially available chemical cell, it ispossible to realize the complete compatibility with the commerciallyavailable chemical cell in the outside shape and the voltagecharacteristic, and popularization in an existing cell market can befurther facilitated. As a result, since the power supply system such asa fuel cell having the high energy utilization efficiency can begeneralized without trouble in place of the existing chemical cellhaving many problems in the environmental concerns or the energyutilization efficiency, the energy resource can be effectively utilizedwhile suppressing the influence on the environment.

(D) Stop Operation of Fifth Embodiment

Subsequently, in the stop operation, when the operation control portion13 receives the load drive information concerning stop of the load LD(S108), it outputs to the output control portion 14 an operation controlsignal for stopping generation of electric power in the power generationportion 12 (step S114). Based on the operation control signal from theoperation control portion 13, the output control portion 14 shuts offsupply of the power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion12 (step S115), stops the operation of the power generation portion 12(step S116) and stops supply of the load drive electric power to thedevice DVC.

Specifically, even though the feedback control is carried out in theabove-described steady operation, when the operation control portion 13continuously detects for a predetermined time a state that an outputvoltage of the load drive electric power supplied to the device DVCdeviates from a predetermined voltage range, the operation controlportion 13 deals with the output voltage error as load drive informationand outputs to the output control portion 14 an operation control signalfor stopping generation of electric power in the power generationportion 12.

That is, when a user of the device DVC conducts the operation forstopping the load LD or when the load is run out by, e.g., removing thepower supply system 301 from the device DVC, even if the feedbackcontrol or the like for setting the output voltage of the load driveelectric power within a predetermined voltage range is carried out inthe above-described steady operation, the output voltage deviates fromthe preset voltage range of the load drive electric power. Therefore,when the operation control portion 13 continuously detects such a statebeyond a predetermined time, it determines that the load LD of thedevice DVC is stopped or ceased and stops the power generation operationin the power generation portion 12.

Additionally, when the stopped state of the load LD is grasped by thecontroller CNT of the device DVC and there is provided a function forrequesting stop of supply of electric power to the power supply systemside, the operation control portion 13 receives an electric power stoprequest signal from the controller CNT as the load drive information andoutputs to the output control portion 14 an operation control signal forstopping generation of electric power in the power generation portion12.

As a result, since supply of the power generation fuel is shut off andthe power generation portion 12 is automatically shut down with respectto stop or the like of the load LD in the device DVC, the electric powercharacteristic substantially equivalent to that of the general-purposechemical cell can be realized while efficiently consuming the powergeneration fuel FL.

Further, when the residual quantity detection portion 16 detects aresidual quantity error such as sudden reduction in a residual quantityof the power generation fuel FL, the operation control portion 13 mayoutput to the output control portion 14 an operation control signal forstopping generation of electric power in the power generation portion 12base on a detection signal concerning the residual quantity error, stopthe power generation operation of the power generation portion 12, andoutput information concerning the residual quantity error to thecontroller CNT included in the device DVC so that a user of the deviceDVC can be notified of this information. As a result, it is possible torapidly detect occurrence of the abnormal state such as leak of thepower generation fuel FL from the fuel pack 20 to the outside of thepower supply system 301 and inform a user of the device DVC to takeappropriate measures.

As described above, according to the power supply system according tothis embodiment, it is possible to control supply of electric powerwhich can be a predetermined drive power supply, stop of electric powerand adjustment of an amount of electric power to be generated inaccordance with the drive state (load drive information) of the load LDconnected to the power supply system and a residual quantity of thepower generation fuel FL without receiving supply of the fuel or thelike from the outside of the power supply system. Therefore, the powersupply system which has less burden on the environment but the very highenergy conversion efficiency can be provided while realizing theelectrical characteristic substantially equivalent to that of thegeneral-purpose chemical cell. Consequently, in place of the existingchemical cell having many problems in the environmental concerns or theenergy utilization efficiency, the power supply system according to thisembodiment can be popularized in the existing cell market withouttrouble. Incidentally, although the output voltage is changed inaccordance with a residual quantity of the power generation fuel FL inthis embodiment, the present invention is not restricted thereto, and anoutput electric current value may be changed.

Sixth Embodiment

Description will now be given as to a sixth embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing the sixth embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention. Here, like reference numerals denote structuresequivalent to those in the fifth embodiment described above, therebysimplifying or omitting their explanation.

In the power generation module 10G according to the fifth embodimentmentioned above, description has been given on the structure in whichthe power generation fuel FL utilized in the sub power supply portion 11is directly emitted to the outside of the power supply system 301 asexhaust gas or collected by the later-described by-product collectingmeans. However, in the power generation module 10H according to thisembodiment, when the power generation operation in the sub power supplyportion 11 does not involve a change in components of the powergeneration fuel FL or when a specific fuel component is contained evenif a change in components is involved, the power generation fuel FL usedin the sub power supply portion 11 is directly reused as the powergeneration fuel in the power generation portion 12 or reused afterextracting a specific fuel component.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56, the power generation module 10Haccording to this embodiment includes: a sub power supply portion 11; apower generation portion 12, an operation control portion 13; an outputcontrol portion 14; a start-up control portion 15; and a residualquantity detection portion 16 which have the structures and functionssimilar to those in the above-described fifth embodiment (see FIG. 53)and, in particular it is configure so that all or a part of the powergeneration fuel (exhaust gas) used for generation of electric power inthe sub power supply portion 11 can be supplied to the power generationportion 12 through the output control portion 14 without being emittedto the outside of the power generation module 10H.

The sub power supply portion 11 applied to this embodiment has astructure capable of generating and outputting predetermined electricpower (second electric power) without consuming and transforming a fuelcomponent of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack20G through the I/F portion 30G (for example, the power generationdevice explained in the second, third, fifth or seventh structuralexample in the first embodiment mentioned above), or a structure forgenerating exhaust gas containing a fuel component which can be used forthe power generation operation in the power generation portion 12 evenif a fuel component of the power generation fuel FL is consumed andtransformed (for example, the power generation device explained in thefourth or sixth structural example in the first embodiment mentionedabove).

Further, in case of applying as the power generation portion 12 thepower generation device shown in the first to sixth structural examplesin the above-described first embodiment, there is applied, as the powergeneration fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20G, a fuel substance havingthe ignitability or combustibility, for example, an alcohol-based liquidfuel such as methanol, ethanol or butanol, or a liquefied fuelconsisting of hydrocarbon such as dimethyl ether or isobutane, or a gasfuel such as hydrogen gas.

The liquid fuel or the liquefied fuel is a liquid when charged in thefuel pack 20G under predetermined charging conditions (a temperature, apressure and others). If this fuel is shifted to predeterminedenvironmental conditions such as an ordinary temperature, an ordinarypressure and others when supplied to the sub power supply portion 11, itis vaporized to become a high-pressure fuel gas. Further, when the gasfuel is charged in the fuel pack 20G in the state compressed with apredetermined pressure and supplied to the sub power supply portion 11,it becomes a high-pressure fuel gas according to the charging pressure.Therefore, with such a power generation fuel FL, for example, aftergenerating electric power (second electric power) by using the pressureenergy of the fuel gas in the sub power supply portion 11, electricpower (first electric power) can be generated in the power generationportion 12 by the electro-chemical reaction, the combustion reaction orthe like using the exhaust gas from the sub power supply portion 11.

Seventh Embodiment

A seventh embodiment of the power generation module applied to the powersupply system according to the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 57 is a block diagrams showing a seventh embodiment of the powergeneration module applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention. Here, like reference numerals denote structuresequivalent to those of the first embodiment, thereby simplifying oromitting their explanation.

In the power generation modules 10G and 10H according to the fifth andsixth embodiments mentioned above, description has been given as to thecase where there is applied as the sub power supply portion 11 thestructure for constantly autonomously generating predetermined electricpower (second electric power) by using the power generation fuel FLsupplied from the fuel pack 20G. However, in the power generation moduleaccording to this embodiment, the sub power supply portion has thestructure for constantly autonomously generating predetermined electricpower without using the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuelpack 20G.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 57, the power generation module 10Jaccording to this embodiment includes: a power generation portion 12; anoperation control portion 13; an output control portion 14; a start-upcontrol portion 15; and a residual quantity detection portion 16 whichhave the structures and functions similar to those of the fifthembodiment (see FIG. 53) mentioned above, and the power generationmodule 10J is also provided with a sub power supply portion 11 forconstantly autonomously generating predetermined electric power (secondelectric power) without using the power generation fuel FL charged inthe fuel pack 20.

As the concrete structure of the sub power supply portion 11, it ispossible to excellently apply one utilizing thermoelectric conversionbased on a difference in temperature in the peripheral environment ofthe power supply system 301 (temperature difference power generation),one utilizing piezoelectric conversion based on the light energyentering from the outside of the power supply system 301 (photovoltaicgeneration), and others.

<Any Other By-Product Collecting Means>

Any other by-product collecting means applicable to the power supplysystem according to each of the foregoing embodiments will now bedescribed with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 58 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the by-productcollecting means applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention. Here, like reference numerals denote structuresequivalent to those in each of the foregoing embodiments, therebysimplifying or omitting their explanation.

In each embodiment mentioned above, when there is applied as the powergeneration portion 12 or the sub power supply portion 11 the structure(the power generation portion or the sub power supply portion shown ineach of the above-described structural examples) for generatingpredetermined electric power by the electrochemical reaction or thecombustion reaction by using the power generation fuel FL charged in thefuel pack 20, by-products may be emitted besides the electric power insome cases. Since such by-products may include a substance which cancause the environmental pollution when emitted to the natural world or asubstance which can be a factor of the malfunction of the device towhich the power supply system is attached in some cases, it ispreferable to apply the structure provided with the following by-productcollecting means because emission of such by-products must be suppressedas much as possible.

As shown in FIG. 58, for example, the by-product collecting meansapplicable to the power supply system according to the present inventionhas the structure in which a separation collection portion 17 forcollecting all or a part of components of the by-product generated atthe time of power generation in the power generation portion 12 isprovided in the power generation module 10K, the fuel pack 20 and theI/F portion 30K having the structures and functions similar to those ineach of the foregoing embodiments, e.g., in the power generation module10K in this example, and a collection holding portion 21 for fixedlyholding the collected by-product is provided in the fuel pack 20K.Incidentally, here, although description will be given as to only thecase where the by-product generated in the power generation portion 12is collected, it is needless to say that this structure can be similarlyapplied to the sub power supply portion 11.

The separation collection portion 17 has the structure shown in each ofthe foregoing embodiments. In the power generation portion 12 (the subpower supply portion 11 may be included) which generates to at least thedevice DVC having the power supply system 301 attached thereto electricpower which can be the load drive electric power (voltage/electriccurrent) by the electrochemical reaction or the combustion reactionusing the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20K, theseparation collection portion 17 separates a by-product generated at thetime of power generation or a specific component in the by-product andfeeds it to the collection holding portion 21 provided in the fuel pack20K through a by-product collection path provided to the I/F portion30K.

In the power supply portion 12 (the sub power supply portion 11 may beincluded) to which each structural example mentioned above is applied,as a by-product generated when producing electric power, there are water(H₂O), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx) and others, all or apart of them or only a specific component of them is collected by theseparation collection portion 17 and fed to the by-product collectionpath. Incidentally, if the collected by-product is in the liquid state,the capillary phenomenon can be utilized to automatically feed theby-product from the separation collection portion 17 to the collectionholding portion 21 by, for example, forming the inside diameter of theby-product collection path so as to continuously vary.

The collection holding portion 21 is provided to the inside of the fuelpack 20K or a part of the inside of the same. The collection holdingportion 21 is configured to be capable of feeding and holding theby-product collected by the separation collection portion 17 only whenthe fuel pack 20K is coupled with the power generation 10K. That is, inthe power supply system in which the fuel pack 20K can be attached to ordetached from the power generation module 10K without restraint, whenthe fuel pack 20K is detached from the power generation module 10K, thecollected and held by-product or a specific component is fixedly orirreversibly held in the collection holding portion 21 so as not to leakor be emitted to the outside of the fuel pack 20K.

As described above, when water (H₂O), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and/or sulfuroxide (SOx) is generated as a by-product due to power generation in thepower generation portion 12, since water (H₂O) is in the liquid state atan ordinary temperature under an ordinary pressure, water can beexcellently fed to the collection holding portion 21 through theby-product collection path. However, in case of a by-product whose pointof vaporization is generally less than an ordinary temperature under anordinary pressure and which is in the gas state such as nitrogen oxide(NOx) or sulfur oxide (SOx), its cubic volume may become extravagant andexceed the preset capacity of the collection holding portion 21.Therefore, it is possible to adopt the structure in which the collectedby-product is liquefied and the cubic volume is reduced so that theby-product can be held in the collection holding portion 21 byincreasing the air pressure in the separation collection portion 17 andthe collection holding portion 21.

Therefore, as the concrete structure of the collection holding portion21, it is possible to excellently apply a structure capable ofirreversibly absorbing, both absorbing and fixing, and fixing thecollected by-product or a specific component, for example, the structurein which the absorbing polymer is filled in the collection holdingportion 21, or the structure provided with collected material leakpreventing means such as a control valve which closes by the internalpressure of the collection holding portion 12 or the physical pressureor the like of, e.g., a spring, as similar to the fuel leak preventingmeans provided in the fuel pack 20 mentioned above.

In the power supply system provided with the by-product collecting meanshaving such a structure, when such a fuel reforming type fuel cell asshown in FIG. 26 is applied to the power generation portion 12, iscarbon dioxide (CO₂) generated together with hydrogen gas (H₂) by thevapor reforming reaction, the aqueous shift reaction and the selectedoxidization reaction (chemical equations (1) to (3)) in the fuelreforming portion 210 a, and water (H₂O) produced with generation ofelectric power (first electric power) by the electrochemical reaction(chemical equations (6) and (7)) are emitted from the power generationportion 12 as the by-products. However, since carbon dioxide (CO₂)rarely has any affect on the device, it is emitted to the outside of thepower supply system as a non-collected substance. On the other hand,water (H₂O) or the like is collected by the separation collectionportion 17, supplied to the collection holding portion 21 in the fuelpack 20K through the by-product collection path by utilizing thecapillary phenomenon or the like, and reversibly held in the collectionholding portion 21. Here, since the electrochemical reaction (chemicalequations (2) and (3)) in the power generation portion 12 (fuel cellportion) proceeds at a temperature of approximately 60 to 80, water(H₂O) generated in the power generation portion 12 is exhausted in thesubstantially vapor (gas) state. Thus, the separation collection portion17 liquefies only a water (H₂O) component by, for example, cooling thevapor emitted from the power generation portion 12 or by applying thepressure and separates it from other gas components, thereby collectingthis component.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, description has been given as to thecase where the fuel reforming type fuel cell is applied as the structureof the power generation portion 12 and methanol (CH₃OH) is applied asthe power generation fuel. Therefore, separation and collection of aspecific component (namely, water) in the separation collection portion17 can be relatively easily realized when the majority of the by-productinvolved by power generation is water (H₂O) and also a small amount ofcarbon dioxide (CO₂) is exhausted to the outside of the power supplysystem. However, when a substance other than methanol is applied as thepower generation fuel, or when a structure other than the fuel cell isapplied as the power generation portion 12, a relatively large amount ofcarbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SOx) orthe like may be generated together with water (H₂O) in some cases.

In such a case, after separating, for example, water as a liquid fromany other specific gas component (carbon dioxide or the like) generatedin large quantities in the separation collection portion 17 by theabove-described separation method, they may be held together orindividually in a single or a plurality of collection holding portions21 provided in the fuel pack 20E.

As described above, according to the power supply system to which theby-product collecting means according to this embodiment is applied,since emission or leak of the by-product to the outside of the powersupply system can be suppressed by irreversibly holding in thecollection holding portion 21 provided in the fuel pack 20E at least onecomponent of the by-product generated when generating electric power bythe power generation module 10E, the malfunction or deterioration of thedevice due to the by-product (for example, water) can be prevented.Also, by collecting the fuel pack 20E holding the by-product therein,the by-product can be appropriately processed by a method which does notimpose a burden on the natural environment, thereby preventing pollutionof the natural environment or global warming due to the by-product (forexample, carbon dioxide).

The by-product collected by the above-described separation collectionmethod is irreversibly held in the collection holding portion by such anholding operation as described with reference to FIGS. 48A to 48C.

<Fuel Stabilizing Means>

Description will now be given as to fuel stabilizing means applicable tothe power supply system according to each of the foregoing embodimentswith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 59 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the fuel stabilizingmeans applicable to the power supply system according to the presentinvention. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent tothose in each of the foregoing embodiments, thereby simplifying oromitting their explanation.

As shown in FIG. 59, in the power generation module 10L, the fuel pack20L and the I/F portion 30L having the structures and functions similarto those in each of the above-described embodiments, the fuelstabilizing means applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention has the structure that a support control valve 25which detects the charged state (a temperature, a pressure and others)of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20L and stopssupply of the power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack 20L to thepower generation module 10L (the sub power supply portion 11 and thepower generation portion 12) when the charged state exceeds apredetermined threshold value and a pressure control valve 26 whichdetects the charged state (a temperature, a pressure and others) of thepower generation fuel FL in the fuel pack 20L and controls the chargedstate to a predetermined stabilized state are provided in any one of theI/F portion 30L and the fuel pack 20L (the fuel pack 20L in thisexample).

The supply control valve 25 is automatically actuated when a temperatureof the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20L increasesbeyond a predetermined threshold value, and shuts off supply of thepower generation fuel FL to the fuel fed path. Concretely, it ispossible to excellently apply the control valve which closes when apressure in the fuel pack 20L increases with increase in temperature ofthe power generation fuel FL.

Further, the pressure control valve 26 is automatically actuated when apressure in the fuel pack 20L increases beyond a predetermined thresholdvalue with increase in temperature of the power generation fuel FLcharged in the fuel pack 20L, and reduces the pressure in the fuel pack20L. Concretely, it is possible to excellently apply the pressurerelease valve (release valve) which opens when the pressure in the fuelpack 20L increases.

As a result, for example, with the power supply system being attached tothe device DVC, when the temperature or the pressure in the fuel pack20L increase due to, e.g., generation of heat involved by electric powergeneration in the power generation module 10L or driving the load of thedevice, the operation for stopping supply of the power generation fuelFL or the operation for releasing the pressure is automatically carriedout, thereby stabilizing the charged state of the power generation fuelFL.

Then, in the overall operation of the above-described power supplysystem (see FIG. 54), in case of performing the operation for startingup the power supply system, the operation control portion 13 makesreference to the operation state of the supply control valve 25 inadvance, namely, the supply state of the power generation fuel FL fromthe fuel pack 20L, makes judgment upon whether the power generation fuelFL is normally supplied, and thereafter executes the above-describedoperation. Here, when shutoff of supply of the power generation fuel FLis detected irrespective of the operation for stabilizing the chargedstate of the power generation fuel FL by the above-described fuelstabilizing means (the pressure control valve 26 in particular), theoperation control portion 13 outputs to the controller CNT included inthe device DVC information concerning the charging error of the powergeneration fuel FL, and informs a device DVC user of this error.

Furthermore, in the overall operation of the above-described powersupply system (see FIG. 54), in case of continuing the steady operation(feedback control) of the power supply system, the operation controlportion 13 sequentially makes reference to the operation state of thesupply control valve 25, namely, the supply state of the powergeneration fuel FL from the fuel pack 20L. Then, when shutoff of supplyof the power generation fuel FL is detected or when sudden drop of theload drive electric power to the device DVC is received as the loaddrive information irrespective of the stabilizing operation by the fuelstabilizing means (the pressure control valve 26 in particular), theoperation control portion 13 outputs information concerning a chargingerror of the power generation fuel FL to the controller CNT included inthe device DVC, and informs a device DVC user of this error.

As a result, it is possible to provide the power supply system with thehigh reliability which rapidly detects occurrence of deterioration ofthe power generation fuel FL due to an error of the charging conditions(a temperature, a pressure and others) of the power generation fuel FLin the fuel pack 20L, an operation error (for example, an output voltagedefect) in the power generation module 10L or leak of the powergeneration fuel FL from the fuel pack 20L to the outside of the powersupply system 301, and assures the safety of the power generation fuelFL having the combustibility.

Description will now be given as to any other fuel stabilizing meansapplicable to the power supply system according to each of theabove-described embodiments with reference to the drawing.

FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of fuel stabilizingmeans applicable to the power supply system according to the presentinvention. Moreover, FIG. 61 is a view showing a start-up operationstate of the power supply system according to this embodiment, and FIG.62 is a view showing the stop operation state of the power supply systemaccording to this embodiment. Here, as similar to the second to fourthembodiments mentioned above, although description will be given on thecase where predetermined information is notified between the powersupply system and the device to which the power supply system isconnected, it is also possible to apply the structure in which anyspecial notification is not carried out between the power supply systemand the device (the structure explained in connection with the firstembodiment). In addition, like reference numerals denote structuresequivalent to those in each of the foregoing embodiments, therebysimplifying or omitting their explanation.

As shown in FIG. 60 in the power generation module 10M, the fuel pack20L and the I/F portion 30L having the structures and functionsequivalent to those in each of the above-described embodiments, the fuelstabilizing means applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention has the structure that a supply control valve 25 whichdetects a charged state (a temperature, a pressure and others) of thepower generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20L and stops supplyof the power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack 20L to the powergeneration module 10M (the sub power supply portion 11 and the powergeneration portion 12) when the charged state exceeds a predeterminedthreshold value and a pressure control valve 26 which detects thecharged state (a temperature, a pressure and others) of the powergeneration fuel FL in the fuel pack 20L and controls the charged stateto a predetermined stabilized state are provided in any one of the I/Fportion 30L and the fuel pack 20L (the fuel pack 20L in this example).

The supply control valve 25 is automatically actuated when a temperatureof the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20L increasesbeyond a predetermined threshold value and shuts off supply of the powergeneration fuel FL to the fuel feed path. Concretely, it is possible toexcellently apply a check valve which closes when a pressure in the fuelpack 20L increases with increase in temperature of the power generationfuel FL.

The pressure control valve 26 is automatically actuated when a pressurein the fuel pack 20L increases beyond a predetermined threshold valuewith increase in temperature of the power generation fuel FL charged inthe fuel pack 20L, and reduces the pressure in the fuel pack 20L.Concretely, it is possible to excellently apply a pressure release valve(release valve) which opens when the pressure in the fuel pack 20Lincreases.

As a result, for example, with the power supply system being attached tothe device DVC, when a temperature or a pressure in the fuel pack 20Lincreases due to, e.g., generation of heat involved by electric powergeneration in the power generation module 10M or driving the load of thedevice, the operation for stopping supply of the power generation fuelFL or the operation for releasing the pressure is automatically carriedout, thereby autonomously stabilizing the charged state of the powergeneration fuel FL.

In the power supply system having such a structure, basically, theoperation control equivalent to that of the above-described secondembodiment (including the case where the operation control in the firstembodiment is substantially executed in parallel) can be applied. Inaddition to this, the following operation control which ischaracteristic of this embodiment can be applied.

In the start-up operation in the overall operation (see FIGS. 27 and 34)described in connection with the first or second embodiment, when theoperation control portion 13 detects a change in voltage of the supplyelectric power through the voltage monitoring portion 16, or when theoperation control portion 13 receives the load drive information whichis informed from the controller CNT included in the device DVC whichrequests supply of electric power, the operation control portion 13makes reference to the operation state of the supply control valve 25,namely, the supply state of the power generation fuel FL from the fuelpack 20L before the operation for outputting to the start-up controlportion 15 an operation control signal for starting up the powergeneration portion 12 (steps S104 or S204), and makes judgment uponwhether the charged state of the power generation fuel FL is normal (orwhether the power generation fuel can be supplied to the powergeneration portion 12).

Based on the operation state of the supply control valve 25, when theoperation control portion 13 determines that the charged state of thepower generation fuel FL is normal and the power generation fuel can besupplied to the power generation portion 12, it executes the start-upoperation (steps S104 to S106 or S204 to S206) described in connectionwith the first or second embodiment mentioned above, generates the loaddrive electric power by the power generation portion 12, and suppliespredetermined supply electric power to the device DVC.

As shown in FIG. 61, based on the operation state of the supply controlvalve 25, when the operation control portion 13 determines that thecharged state of the power generation fuel FL is abnormal and supply ofthe power generation fuel to the power generation portion 12 is shut off(when a charging error is detected), it informs the controller CNT inthe device DVC of a start-up error signal based on the charging error aspower generation operation information through the terminal portion ELx.

In the steady operation in the overall operation (see FIGS. 27 and 34)described in connection with the first or second embodiment, theoperation control portion 13 sequentially monitors the operation stateof the supply control valve 25 during the feedback control over thesupply electric power. Then, as shown in FIG. 62, when the operationcontrol portion 13 detects an error of the charged state of the powergeneration fuel FL irrespective of the pressure releasing operation(stabilizing operation) by the pressure control valve 26 for stabilizingthe charged state of the power generation fuel FL in the fuel pack 20L,it shuts off supply of the power generation fuel to the power generationportion 12 by outputting to the output control portion 14 an operationcontrol signal for stopping generation of electric power in the powergeneration portion 12, and stops the power generation operation of thepower generation portion 12. Also, the operation control portion 13stops heating by the heater for facilitating the endothermic reactionfor producing hydrogen, and informs the controller CNT in the device DVCof an error stop signal based on the charging error or shutdown of theoperation of the power generation portion 12 as the power generationoperation information through the terminal portion ELx.

As a result, it is possible to avoid occurrence of, e.g., deteriorationof the power generation fuel FL due to an error of the chargingconditions (a temperature, a pressure and others) of the powergeneration fuel FL in the fuel pack 20L, an operation error (forexample, a voltage defect of the supply electric power) in the powergeneration module 10M or leak of the power generation fuel FL from thefuel pack 20L to the outside of the power supply system 301. Also, it ispossible to notify a device DVC user of information concerning thecharging error and urge to take appropriate measures such as improvementof the device using environment or replacement of the power supplysystem. Therefore, the highly reliable power supply system which assuresthe safety of the power generation fuel FL having the combustibility canbe provided.

In regard to the by-product collecting means, the residual quantitydetecting means and the fuel stabilizing means, although description hasbeen given on the case where they are individually applied to theforegoing embodiments, the present invention is not restricted thereto.It is needless to say that they can be appropriately selected and anarbitrary combined use can be applied. According to this, it is possibleto further improve, e.g., load to the environment of the power supplysystem according to the present invention, the energy conversionefficiency, the use conformation, the safety, and others.

<Outside Shape>

Outside shapes applicable to the power supply system according to thepresent invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 63A to 63F are views showing concrete examples of the outsideshape applicable to the power supply system according to the presentinvention, and FIGS. 64A to 64C are views showing the outside shapesapplied to the power supply system according to the present inventionand the correspondence relationship between such shapes and the outsideshapes of the general-purpose chemical cell.

In the power supply system having the above-described structure, asshown in FIGS. 63A to 63F respectively for example, the outside shapewith the fuel pack 20 being coupled with the power generation module 10through the I/F portion 30 or these members being integrally configuredis formed so as to have the outside shape and dimensions equivalent toany of circular cells 41, 42 and 43 which are in heavy usage asgeneral-purpose chemical cells conforming to JIS or internationalstandards or cells having a special shape (non-circular cells) 44, 45and 46 in conformity with standards of these cells. Also, the outsideshape is configured in such a manner electric power (first and secondelectric power) generated by the sub power supply portion 11 or thepower generation portion 12 of the above-described power generationmodule 10 can be outputted through the positive (+) and negative (−)electrode terminals of each of the illustrated cell shapes.

Here, the positive electrode terminal is attached to the upper part ofthe power generation module 10 while the negative electrode terminal isattached to the fuel pack 20, and the negative electrode terminal isconnected to the power generation module 10 through the wiring althoughnot shown. Additionally, a terminal portion ELx which is wound aroundthe power generation module 10 on the side portion thereof in the zonalform may be provided. When the power supply system 301 is accommodatedin the device DVC, the internal controller CNT and the terminal portionELx are automatically electrically connected to each other, therebyenabling reception of the load drive information. Incidentally, it isneedless to say that the terminal portion ELx is insulated from thepositive electrode and the negative electrode.

Specifically, with the fuel pack 20 and the power generation module 10being coupled with each other, for example, the power generation portionto which the fuel cell is applied (see FIG. 19) has the structure thatthe fuel electrode 211 of the fuel cell portion 210 b is electricallyconnected to the negative electrode terminal and the air electrode 212is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal. Further,in a structure that internal and external combustion engines of, e.g., agas combustion engine or a rotary engine are combined with the powergenerator utilizing electromagnetic induction or the like (see FIGS. 21to 23), or in the power generation portion to which a temperaturedifference power generator or an MHD power generator is applied (seeFIGS. 24 and 25), there is provided the structure in which the outputterminal of each power generator is electrically connected with thepositive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal.

Here, concretely, the circular cells 41, 42 and 43 are in heavy usage asa commercially available manganese dry cell, an alkali dry cell, anickel-cadmium cell, a lithium cell and others and have the outsideshape of, e.g., a cylinder type with which many devices can cope(cylindrical type: FIG. 63A), a button-like type used in wrist watchesand others (FIG. 63B), a coin-like type used in cameral, electronicnotebooks and others (FIG. 63C) or the like.

On the other hand, concretely, the non-circular cells 44, 45 and 46 havethe outside shape of a special shape type which is individually designedin accordance with a shape of a device to be used, e.g., a compactcamera or a digital still camera (FIG. 63D), an angular typecorresponding to reduction in side or thickness of a portable acousticdevice or a mobile phone (FIG. 63E), a flat type (FIG. 63F) or the like.

Incidentally, as described above, each structure of the power generationmodule 10 mounted on the power supply system according to thisembodiment can be realized as a microchip of the millimeter order ormicron order or as a microplant by applying the existing micromachinemanufacturing technique. Further, applying a fuel cell, a gas fuelturbine or the like capable of realizing the high energy utilizationefficiency as the power generation portion 12 of the power generationmodule 10 can suppress an amount of the power generation fuel requiredfor realizing a battery capacity equivalent to (or above) that of theexisting chemical cell to a relatively small value.

In the power supply system according to this embodiment, the existingcell shape shown in the drawings can be excellently realized. Forexample, as illustrated in FIGS. 64A and 64B, it is possible to providethe structure that the outside dimension (for example, a length La and adiameter Da) when the fuel pack 20 is coupled with the power generationmodule 10 or when they are integrally constituted becomes substantiallyequivalent to the outside shape (for example, a length Lp and a diameterDp) of such a general-purpose chemical cell 47 as shown in FIG. 64C.

Incidentally, FIGS. 64A to 64C only conceptually show the relationshipbetween the attachable and detachable structure of the power supplysystem according to the present invention (coupling relationship) andthe appearance shape, and a concrete electrode structure and others arenot taken into consideration. The relationship between the attachableand detachable structure of the power generation module 10 and the fuelpack 20 and the electrode structure when each cell shape is applied tothe power supply system according to the present invention will bedescribed in detail in connection with the later-described embodiment.

Furthermore, each illustrated outside shape is only an example of thechemical cell which is commercially available in conformity withstandards in Japan, or attached to a device and distributed or is on thesale. Only part of structural examples to which the present inventioncan be applied is shown. That is, outside shapes applicable to the powersupply system according to the present invention other than the aboveconcrete examples may be adopted. For example, such outside shapes matchwith shapes of chemical cells which are distributed or on the salearound the world or chemical cells which will be put into practical usein future, and it is needless to say that those outside shapes can bedesigned so as to match with the electrical characteristic.

Detailed description will now be given as to the relationship betweenthe attachable and detachable structure of the power generation module10 and the fuel pack 20 and the electrode structure when each of theabove cell shapes is applied to the power supply system according to thepresent invention with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment of Attachable and Detachable Structure)

FIGS. 65A to 65D and FIGS. 65E to 65H are views showing the outsideshapes of the fuel pack and a holder portion of the power supply systemaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention when seen froman upper direction, a front direction, a transverse direction and a reardirection. FIGS. 66A and 66B are views showing the attachable anddetachable structure of the power generation module and the fuel pack inthe power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, likereference numerals denote structures equivalent to those in each of theforegoing embodiment, thereby simplifying or omitting their explanation.

As shown in FIGS. 65A to 65D and FIGS. 65E to 65H, the power supplysystem according to this embodiment is configured to include: a fuelpack 51 (corresponding to the fuel pack 20) in which the powergeneration fuel is charged under predetermined conditions; and a holderportion 52 functioning as the power generation module 10 and the I/Fportion 30, to which the fuel pack is detachably disposed. Here, whenthe fuel pack 51 is a transparent degradable polymeric case in which thefuel FL is charged and it is unused, the periphery of the case iscovered with a package 53 for protecting from a degradation factor suchas bacteria. Moreover, when attaching the fuel pack 51, as will bedescribed later, exfoliating the package 53 from the fuel pack 51 cansuffice. In addition, since the fuel pack 51 is a transparent case andan index 51 c is carved thereon, it is possible to confirm a residualquantity of the see-through fuel.

The holder portion 52 is configured to generally include: a powergeneration portion 52 a in which the power generation module 10 and theI/F portion 30 having the structure equivalent to that of each of theforegoing embodiment are accommodated and a positive electrode terminalEL (+) is provided; an opposed portion 52 b to which a negativeelectrode portion EL (−) is provided; and a connection portion 52 cwhich electrically connects the power generation portion 52 a with theopposed portion 52 b and electrically connects the power generationportion 52 a with the negative electrode terminal EL (−). A piercingspace SP1 surrounded by the power generation portion 52 a, the opposedportion 52 b and the connection portion 52 c becomes an accommodationposition when the fuel pack 51 is coupled. The holder portion 52includes: a convex portion 52 d which has the elasticity of a spring orthe like around the contact portion of the opposed portion 52 b and hasa hole at the center (see FIG. 66A); and a by-product collection path 52e for connecting the hole of the convex portion 52 d with the by-productsupply path 17 a of the power generation module 10. Since an index 52 his carved on the holder portion 52 in place of the index 51 c of thefuel pack 51, it is possible to confirm a residual quantity of thesee-through fuel. At this moment, the index 52 h can be easily visuallyconfirmed when the connection portion 52 c is not transparent.

In the power supply system having such a structure, as shown in FIG.66A, with respect to the space SP1 constituted by the power generationportion 52 a, the opposed portion 52 b and the connection portion 52 c,the fuel feed port (one end side) 51 a to which the fuel supply valve24A of the fuel pack 51 is provided is brought into contact with theholder portion 52 and this contact point is determined as a supportingpoint while using fingers FN1 and FN2 to support the fuel pack 51 fromwhich the package 53 has been removed, and the other end side 51 b ofthe fuel pack 51 is swiveled and thrusted (an arrow P9 in the drawing).As a result, as shown in FIG. 66B, a bottom portion (the other end side)51 b of the fuel pack 51 is brought into contact with the opposedportion 52 b and the fuel pack 51 is accommodated in the space SP1. Atthis moment, a fuel feed pipe 52 f which can be the fuel feed path (FIG.73) pushes down the fuel supply valve 24A whose posture is fixed by thespring, and the leak prevention function of the fuel pack 51 is therebyreleased. Also, the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 51is automatically carried and supplied to the power generation module 10by the surface tension in a capillary tube 52 g (FIG. 73) and the fuelfeed pipe 52 f. FIG. 66B shows the unused power supply system to whichthe fuel pack 51 and the holder portion 52 are set. In this drawing, theperiphery of the case is covered with the package 54 for protecting froma degradation factor such as bacteria. When this power supply system isused as a power supply for a device or the like, exfoliating the package54 can suffice. Moreover, if the sub power supply portion 11 consumesthe fuel of the fuel pack 51 and constantly generates power as with adirect type fuel cell or the like, a hole 54 a for supplying oxygen andemitting carbon dioxide may be provided to the package 54 in thevicinity of the power generation module 10. If the sub power supplyportion 11 does not consume the fuel as with a capacitor or the like,the hole 54 a does not have to be necessarily provided.

Here, when the fuel pack 51 is accommodated in the space SP1 and coupledwith the holder portion 52, the power supply system is configured tohave the outside shape and dimensions substantially equivalent to thoseof the above-described cylindrical general-purpose chemical cell (seeFIGS. 63A and 64C). In addition, at this moment, with the fuel pack 51being normally accommodated in the space SP1, it is preferable that theother end side 51 b of the fuel pack 51 is pressed with appropriateforce so that the fuel feed port 51 a of the fuel pack 51 can beexcellently brought into contact with and connected with the fuel feedpath on the power generation portion 52 a side, and that the other endside 51 b of the fuel pack 51 is engaged with the contact portion of theopposed portion 52 b by using appropriate pressing force in order toprevent the fuel pack 51 from accidentally coming off the holder portion52.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 66A and 66B, an engagement mechanism canbe applied between a concave portion at which a by-product fetchingvalve 24B formed on the other end side 51 b of the fuel pack 51 isarranged in order to collect water or the like as a by-product and aconvex portion 52 d having the elasticity of a spring or the like aroundthe contact part of the opposed portion 52 b. At this moment, theby-product fetching valve 24B is changed from the closed state to theopened state when pushed up by the convex portion 52 d, and it isconnected with the by-product collection path 52 e. The by-product fedfrom the by-product collection path 52 e can be, therefore, collected ina collection bag 23 provided in the fuel pack 51.

As a result, as described on the overall operation (see FIGS. 27 and34), electric power (second electric power) is autonomously generated inthe sub power supply portion 11, and the operating electric power issupplied to at least the operation control portion 13 in the powergeneration module 10. In addition, when the power supply systemaccording to this embodiment is attached to a predetermined device DVC,a part of electric power generated by the sub power supply portion 11 issupplied as drive electric power (controller electric power) to thecontroller CNT included in the device DVC through the positive electrodeterminal EL (+) provided to the power generation portion 52 a and thenegative electrode terminal EL (−) provided to the opposed portion 52 b(initial operation).

Therefore, it is possible to realize the completely compatible powersupply system which can be easily handled as with the general-purposechemical cell, has the outside shape and dimensions (cylindrical shapein this example) equal or similar to those of the general-purposechemical cell, and can supply electric power having the same or similarelectrical characteristic. Accordingly, electric power can be applied asthe operating electric power to a device such as an existing portabledevice as similar to the general-purpose chemical cell.

In particular, in the power supply system according to this embodiment,when the structure provided with the fuel cell is applied as the powergeneration module and a material such as the above-described degradableplastic is applied as the fuel pack 51 which is configured to beattached to or detached from the power generation portion 52 a (powergeneration module 10) without restraint, the high energy utilizationefficiency can be realized while suppressing the affect (burden) on theenvironment. It is, therefore, possible to excellently solve problemssuch as environmental concerns caused due to dumping of the existingchemical cell or landfill disposal or the energy utilization efficiency.

Additionally, according to the power supply system according to thisembodiment, since the space SP1 on the holder portion 52 side in whichthe fuel pack 51 is accommodated has a piercing shape with two openingportions, the fuel pack 51 can be readily attached to the holder portion52 while gripping the opposed side portions of the fuel pack 51 withfingers FN1 and FN2, and the fuel pack 51 is thrusted out from one ofthe two opening portions by pushing the fuel pack 51 from the other oneof the two opening portions, thereby easily and securely removing thefuel pack 51.

(Second Embodiment of Attachable and Detachable Structure)

FIGS. 67A to 67C are views schematically showing an outside shape of thefuel pack of the power supply system according to the second embodimentof the present invention as seen from the front direction, thetransverse direction and the rear direction. When the fuel pack 61 is atransparent degradable polymeric case in which the fuel FL is chargedand is unused, the periphery of the case is covered with a package 63for protecting from degradation factors such as bacteria. Further, incase of attaching the fuel pack 61, as will be described later,perforating the package 63 from the fuel pack 61 can suffice.Furthermore, since the fuel pack 61 is a transparent case and an index61 b is carved thereto, it is possible to confirm a residual quantity ofthe see-through fuel.

FIGS. 67D to 67G are views schematically showing an outside shape of theholder portion 62 of the power supply system according to the presentinvention as seen from the front direction, the upper direction, therear direction and the lateral direction, and FIGS. 68A and 68B areviews showing the attachable and detachable structure of the powergeneration module and the fuel pack in the power supply system accordingto this embodiment. Since an index 62 d is carved to the holder portion62 functioning as the power generation module 10 and the I/F portion 30in place of the index 61 b of the fuel pack 61, it is possible toconfirm a residual quantity of the see-through fuel. At this moment,when the connection portion 62 c is not transparent, the index 62 d canbe easily visually confirmed. Here, explanation of structures equivalentto those in each of the foregoing embodiments will be simplified oromitted. FIG. 68B shows an unused power supply system in which the fuelpack 61 and the holder portion 62 are set. The periphery of the powersupply system is covered with a package 64 for protecting fromdegradation factors such as bacteria. When the power supply system isused as a power supply of a device or the like, perforating the package64 can suffice. Moreover, if the sub power supply portion 11 consumesthe fuel in the fuel pack 61 and constantly generates electric power aswith a direct type fuel cell or the like, a hole 64 a for supply ofoxygen and rejection of carbon dioxide may be provided to the package 64in the vicinity of the power generation module 10. If the sub powersupply portion 11 does not consume the fuel as with a capacitor or thelike, the hole 64 a does not have to be necessarily provided.

As shown in FIGS. 67A to 67G, the power supply system according to thisembodiment is configured to include: a fuel pack 61 in which powergeneration fuel is charged under predetermined conditions; and a holderportion 62 configured so that the fuel pack 61 can be attached to anddetached from it without restraint. Here, since the fuel pack 61 has thestructure and function equivalent to those in each of the foregoingembodiments, thereby omitting its explanation.

The holder portion 62 is configured to generally include: a powergeneration portion 62 a in which the power generation module 10 isaccommodated and to which a positive electrode terminal EL (+) isprovided; an opposed portion 62 b to which a negative electrode terminalEL (−) is provided; and a connection portion 62 c which electricallyconnects the power generation portion 62 a with the opposed portion 62 band electrically connects the power generation portion 62 a with thenegative electrode terminal EL (−). Here, a concave space SP2 surroundedby the opposed portion 62 b and the connection portion 62 c is anaccommodation position when the fuel pack 61 is coupled.

In the power supply system having such a structure, as shown in FIG.68A, when the fuel pack 61 is fitted into the space SP2 constituted bythe power generation portion 62 a, the opposed portion 62 b and theconnection portion 62 c (arrow P10 in the drawing) while bringing a fuelfeed port 61 a of the fuel pack 61 from which the package 63 is removedinto contact with a fuel feed path on the power generation portion 62 aside, the fuel pack 61 is accommodated in the space SP2 as shown in FIG.68B, and the leak prevention function of the fuel pack 61 released. Inaddition, the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 61 issupplied to the power generation module 10 included in the powergeneration portion 62 a through the fuel feed path.

Here, as similar to the above-described first embodiment, when the fuelpack 61 is accommodated in the space SP2 and coupled with the holderportion 62, the power supply system is configured to have the shape anddimensions substantially equivalent to those of, e.g., theabove-described cylindrical general-purpose chemical cell (see FIGS. 63Aand 64C). Additionally, at this moment, with the fuel pack 61 beingnormally accommodated in the space SP2, in order to prevent the fuelpack 61 from accidentally coming off the holder portion 62, it isdesirable to provide the structure that the outside shape of the fuelpack 61 is engaged with the internal shape of the space SP2 of theholder portion 62.

As a result, as similar to the first embodiment mentioned above, it ispossible to realize the completely compatible portable type power supplysystem which can be easily handled as with the general-purpose chemicalcell and has the outside shape and the electrical characteristic equalor equivalent to those of the general-purpose chemical cell. Further, byappropriately selecting a structure of the power generation deviceapplied to the power generation module or a material forming theattachable and detachable fuel pack, the influence on the environmentcan be greatly suppressed and it is possible to solve problems such asenvironmental concerns caused by dumpling or landfill disposal of theexisting chemical cell or the energy utilization efficiency.

(Third Embodiment of Attachable and Detachable Structure)

FIGS. 69A to 69C are views schematically showing an outside shape of thefuel pack of the power supply system according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention as seen from the front direction, the transversedirection and the rear direction, FIGS. 69D to 69F are viewsschematically showing an outside shape of the holder portion of thepower supply system according to the present invention as seen from thefront direction, the transverse direction and the rear direction, andFIGS. 70A to 70C are views showing the attachable and detachablestructure of the power generation module and the fuel pack in the powersupply system according to this embodiment. Here, the explanation of thestructures equivalent to those in each of the above-describedembodiments will be simplified or omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 69A to 69F, the power supply system according to thisembodiment includes: a transparent fuel pack 71 in which the powergeneration fuel is charged under predetermined conditions; and a holderportion 72 which is configured in such a manner that a plurality of thefuel packs 71 can be accommodated therein. When the fuel pack 71 is atransparent degradable polymeric case in which the fuel FL is chargedand it is unused, the periphery of the case is covered with the package73 for protecting from degradation factors such as bacteria. In case ofattaching the fuel pack 71, as will be described later, perforating thepackage 73 from the fuel pack 71 can suffice. Since the fuel pack 71 isa transparent case and an index 71 c is carved thereto, a residualquantity of the see-through fuel can be confirmed. Further, if the subpower supply portion 11 consumes the fuel in the fuel pack 71 andconstantly generates power as with a direct type fuel cell or the like,a hole 74 a for supplying oxygen and disposing of carbon dioxide may beprovided to the package 74 in the vicinity of the power generationmodule 10. If the sub power supply portion 11 does not consume fuel aswith a capacitor or the like, the hole 74 a does not have to benecessarily provided.

The holder portion 72 functioning as the power generation module 10 andthe I/F portion 30 is configured to generally include: a powergeneration portion 72 a in which the power generation module 10 isaccommodated and to which a terminal portion ELx fortransmitting/receiving the load drive information is provided inaddition to a positive electrode terminal EL (+) and a negativeelectrode terminal EL (−) on the same end surface; a transparentaccommodation case 72 b provided so as to have a space SP3 betweenitself and the power generation portion 72 a; and anopening/closing-cover 72 c which enables the fuel pack 71 to beaccommodated in or removed from the space SP3, and presses and fixes thefuel pack 71 accommodated in the space SP3. Since an index 72 d iscarved to the accommodation case 72 b in place of the index 71 c of thefuel pack 71, it is possible to confirm a residual quantity of thesee-through fuel. Here, explanation of the structures equivalent tothose of each of the foregoing embodiments will be simplified oremitted.

In the power supply system having such a structure, as shown in FIG.70A, with an opening/closing cover 72 c of the holder portion 72 beingopened and one surface side of a space SP3 being opened, a plurality of(two in this example) of the fuel packs 71 from which the packages 73are removed are inserted in the same direction, and the opening/closingcover 72 c is then closed as shown in FIGS. 70B and 70C. As a result,the fuel packs 71 are accommodated in the space SP3, and theopening/closing cover 72 c pushes the other end side 71 b of the fuelpacks 71, thereby bringing a fuel feed port 71 a of the fuel pack 71into contact with a fuel feed path (I/F portion; not shown) on the powergeneration portion 72 a side. Consequently, the leak prevention functionof the fuel pack 71 is released, and the power generation fuel FLcharged in the fuel pack 71 is supplied to the power generation module10 included in the power generation portion 72 a through the fuel feedpath.

Here, the power supply system is configured to have the outside shapeand dimensions substantially equivalent to those of, e.g., theabove-described chemical cell having a special shape when the fuel packs71 are accommodated in the space SP3 and coupled with the holder portion72. FIGS. 70B and 70C show an unused power supply system in which thefuel packs 71 and the holder portion 72 are set. The periphery of thecase is covered with a package 74 for protecting from degradationfactors such as bacteria. In case of utilizing the power supply systemas a power supply of a device or the like, perforating the package 74can suffice.

As a result, as similar to each of the foregoing embodiments, it ispossible to realize a completely compatible portable type power supplysystem which has the outside shape and the electrical characteristicequal or equivalent to those of the existing chemical cell. Also, byappropriately selecting a structure of the power generation deviceapplied to the power generation module or a material forming theattachable and detachable fuel pack, the influence on the environmentcan be considerably suppressed, and it is possible to excellently solveproblems such as environmental concerns caused by dumping or landfilldisposal of the existing chemical cell or the energy utilizationefficiency.

(Fourth Embodiment of Attachable and Detachable Structure)

FIGS. 71A to 71C are views schematically showing the outside shape ofthe fuel pack of the power supply system according to the fourthembodiment as seen from the front direction, the transverse directionand the rear direction, FIGS. 71D to 71F are views schematically showingthe outside shape of the holder portion of the power supply systemaccording to the present invention as seen from the upper direction, thetransverse direction and the front direction, and FIGS. 72A to 72C areschematic views showing the attachable and detachable structure of thepower generation module and the fuel pack in the power supply systemaccording to this embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 71A to 71F, the power supply system according to thisembodiment is configured to include: a fuel pack 81 in which the powergeneration fuel is charged under predetermined conditions; and a holderportion 82 constituted to be capable of accommodating therein aplurality of the fuel packs 81. Here, when the fuel pack 81 is atransparent degradable polymeric case in which the fuel FL is chargedand it is unused, the periphery of the case is covered with a package 83for protecting from degradable factors such as bacteria. Additionally,in case of attaching the fuel pack 81, as will be described later,perforating the package 83 from the fuel pack 81 can suffice. Further,since the fuel pack 81 is a transparent case and an index 81 c is carvedthereto, it is possible to confirm a residual quantity of thesee-through fuel. Furthermore, if the sub power supply portion 11consumes the fuel in the fuel pack 81 and constantly generates power aswith a direct type fuel cell or the like, a hole 84 a for supply ofoxygen and rejection of carbon dioxide may be provided to the package 84in the vicinity of the power generation module 10. If the sub powersupply portion 11 does not consume the fuel as with a capacitor or thelike, the hole 84 a does not have to be necessarily provided.

The holder portion 82 functioning as the power generation module 10 andthe I/F portion 30 is configured to generally include: a powergeneration portion 82 a in which the power generation module 10 isaccommodated and to which a terminal portion ELx fortransmitting/receiving load drive information is provided on the sameend surface in addition to a positive electrode terminal EL (+) and anegative electrode terminal EL (−); an opposed portion 82 b having asurface opposed to the power generation portion 82 a; and a base portion82 c for connecting the power generation portion 82 a with the opposedportion 82 b. Here, a concave space SP4 surrounded by the powergeneration portion 82 a, the opposed portion 82 b and the base portion82 c is an accommodation position when the fuel pack 81 is coupled.Since the index 82 d is carved to the holder portion 82 in place of theindex 81 c of the fuel pack 81, it is possible to confirm a residualquantity of the see-through fuel. At this moment, if the base portion 82c is not transparent, the index 82 d can be easily visually confirmed.

In the power supply system having such a structure, as shown in FIG.72A, when a fuel feed port (one end side) 81 a of the fuel pack 81 isbrought into contact with a fuel feed path (I/F portion; not shown) onthe power generation portion 82 a side so that the contact part isdetermined as a supporting point while the other end side 81 b of thefuel pack 81 is swiveled and thrusted into the space SP4 constituted bythe power generation portion 82 a, the opposed portion 82 b and the baseportion 82 c (arrow P11 in the drawing), as shown in FIG. 72B, the otherend side 81 b of the fuel pack 81 is brought into contact with theopposed portion 82 b and fixed, and a plurality of (two in this example)the fuel packs 81 are accommodated in the space SP4 in the samedirection. At this moment, the leak prevention function of the fuel pack81 is released, and the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuelpack 81 is supplied to the power generation module 10 included in thepower generation portion 82 a through the fuel feed path.

Here, the power supply system is configured to have the outside shapeand dimensions substantially equivalent to those of, e.g., theabove-described chemical cell having a special shape when the fuel packs81 are accommodated in the space SP4 and coupled with the holder portion82. Moreover, at this moment, with the fuel packs 81 being normallyaccommodated in the space SP4, the fuel feed port 81 a of the fuel packs81 excellently comes into contact with and connected to the fuel feedpath on the power generation portion 82 a side. Also, in order toprevent the fuel packs 81 from accidentally coming off the holderportion 82, as similar to the first embodiment mentioned above, thecontact part between the other end side 81 b of the fuel packs 81 andthe opposed portion 82 b is configured to engage by appropriatethrusting force.

As a result, it is possible to realize the power supply system havingthe effects and advantages similar to those in each of the foregoingembodiments.

FIGS. 72B and 72C show an unused power supply system in which the fuelpack 81 and the holder portion 82 are set. The periphery of the case iscovered with a package 84 for protecting from degradable factors such asbacteria. At the time of utilizing the power supply system as a powersupply of a device or the like, perforating the package 84 can suffice.

Incidentally, a fuel feed pipe having the function equivalent to that ofthe fuel feed pipe 52 f of the holder portion 52 is provided to each ofthe holder portions 62, 72 and 82, and a by-product collection pathequivalent to the by-product collection path 52 e is provided to each ofthese holder portions.

(Concrete Structural Example)

Description will now be given as to a concrete structural example of theentire power supply system to which any of the foregoing embodiments(including each structural example) is applied with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 73 is a view showing a concrete structural example of the entirepower supply system according to the present invention. Further, FIG. 74is a view showing a structural example of a fuel reforming portionapplied to this concrete structural example, and FIG. 75 is a viewshowing another structural example of the fuel reforming portion appliedto this concrete structural example. Here, it is determined that a fueldirect supply type fuel cell is applied as the sub power supply portion11 provided to the power generation module, and a fuel reforming typefuel cell is applied as the power generation portion 12. Furthermore,reference is appropriately made to each of the foregoing embodiments andeach of the structural examples, and like reference numerals denoteequivalent structures, thereby simplifying their explanation.

As shown in FIG. 73, the power supply system 301 according to thisconcrete structural example has the power generation module 10 and thefuel pack 20 being configured to be attachable thereto and detachabletherefrom through the I/F portion 30 as shown in FIG. 2, and has acylindrical outside shape as a whole as shown in FIG. 63A or FIGS. 64Ato 64C. Moreover, these structures (power generation module 10 inparticular) are constituted in a small space by using the micromachinemanufacturing technique or the like, and this power supply system isconfigured to have the outside dimension equivalent to that of thegeneral-purpose chemical cell.

The power generation module 10 is configured to generally include: afuel cell portion 210 b extending along the circumferential side surfaceof the cylindrical shape; a vapor reforming reactor (vapor reformingreaction portion) 210X, which has a fuel flow path whose depth and widthare respectively not more than 500 μm and a heater for setting a spacein the flow path to a predetermined temperature being formed therein, inthe cylindrical power generation module 10; an aqueous shift reactor(aqueous shift reaction portion) 210Y having a fuel flow path whosedepth and width are respectively not more than 500 μm and a heater forsetting a space in the flow path to a predetermined temperature beingformed therein; a selected oxidation reactor (selected oxidationreaction portion) 210Z having a fuel flow path whose depth and width arerespectively not more than 500 μm and a heater for setting a space inthe flow path to a predetermined temperature being formed therein; acontrol chip 90 which is realized as a microchip and accommodated in thepower generation module 10, and has an operation control portion 13 anda start-up control portion 15 or the like mounted thereon; a pluralityof air holes (slits) 14 c which pierce from the cylindrical side surfaceof the power generation module 10 to air electrodes 112 and 212 of thesub power supply portion 11 and the power generation portion 12 and takein outside air; a separation collection portion 17 which liquefies(condenses) a by-product (for example, water) generated on the airelectrodes 112 and 212 side, separates and collects it; a by-productsupply path 16 a for supplying a part of the collected by-product to thevapor reforming reaction portion 210X; an exhaust hole 14 d whichpierces from the top face of the cylinder to the air electrode of thepower generation portion 12 and emits to the outside of the powergeneration module at least a by-product (for example, carbon dioxide) asa non-collected material which is generated on the fuel electrode sideof the power generation portion or in the vapor reforming reactionportion 210X and the selected oxidation reaction portion 210Z; and a subpower supply portion 11 although not described. The vapor reformingreaction portion 210X and the aqueous shift reaction portion 210Yutilize at least one of water which is supplied through the by-productsupply path 17 a and generated in the fuel cell portion 210 b and waterin the fuel FL in the fuel pack 51 as water required for reaction.Moreover, carbon dioxide generated by each reaction in the vaporreforming reaction portion 210X, the aqueous shift reaction portion 210Yand the selected oxidation reaction portion 210Z is emitted to theoutside of the power generation module 10 through the exhaust hole 14 d.

As similar to the structure shown in FIG. 48, the fuel pack 20 (51, 61,71, 81) is configured to generally include: a fuel charging space 22A inwhich the power generation fuel FL to be supplied to the powergeneration portion 12 or the sub power supply portion 11 according toneeds is filled and charged; a collection holding space 22B (collectionholding portion 21) for fixedly holding a by-product (water) collectedby the separation collection portion 17; a fuel supply valve 24A (fuelleak preventing means) which is on the boundary with the powergeneration module 10 and prevents the power generation fuel FL fromleaking; and a by-product fetching valve 24B (collected material leakpreventing means) for preventing a collected and held by-product(collected material) from leaking. Here, the fuel pack 20 is formed ofdegradable plastic such as mentioned above.

When the fuel pack 20 having such a structure is coupled with the powergeneration module 10 and the I/F portion 30, the fuel feed pipe 52 fpushes down the fuel supply valve 24A whose posture is fixed by aspring, and the leak prevention function of the fuel pack 51 isreleased. Also, the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 51is automatically carried to the power generation module 10 by thesurface tension in a capillary tube 52 g and the fuel feed pipe 52 f. Inaddition, when the fuel pack 20 is removed from the power generationmodule 10 and the I/F portion 30, the fuel supply valve 24A is againclosed by the resilience of the spring so that the power generation fuelFL can be prevented from leaking.

The I/F portion 30 is configured to include: a fuel feed path 31 forsupplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 tothe power generation portion 12 or the sub power supply portion 11according to needs; and a by-product collection path 32 for supplying tothe fuel pack 20 all or a part of a by-product (water) which isgenerated in the power generation portion 12 or the sub power supplyportion 11 in some cases and collected by the separation collectionportion 17.

Incidentally, although not shown, the fuel pack 20 or the I/F portion 30may have the structure in which residual quantity detection means fordetecting a residual quantity of the power generation fuel FL charged inthe fuel pack 20 or fuel stabilizing means for stabilizing the chargingstate of the power generation fuel is provided, as shown in FIGS. 49 and60.

The vapor reforming reaction portion 210X applied to the power supplysystem according to this concrete structural example is, for example asshown in FIG. 74, configured to include: a fuel discharge portion 202 a;a water discharge portion 202 b; a fuel vaporization portion 203 a; awater vaporization portion 203 b; a mixing portion 203 c; a reformingreaction flow path 204; and a hydrogen gas exhaust portion 205, each ofthese members being provided so as to have a predetermined groove shapeand a predetermined flat surface pattern on one surface side of a smallsubstrate 201 of, e.g., silicon by using the micro-fabrication techniquesuch as a semiconductor manufacturing technique. The vapor formingreaction portion 210X also includes a thin-film heater 206 which is anarea corresponding to an area in which the reforming reaction flow path204 is formed, and provided on, e.g., the other surface side of thesmall substrate 201.

The fuel discharge portion 202 a and the water discharge portion 202 bhave a fluid discharge mechanism for discharging the power generationfuel which can be a raw material in the vapor reforming reaction andwater into the flow path as liquid particles in accordance with apredetermined unit quantity, for example. Therefore, since the stages ofprogress of the vapor reforming reaction indicated by, for example, thechemical equation (3) are controlled based on a discharge quantity ofthe power generation fuel or water in the fuel discharge portion 202 aand the water discharge portion 202 b (specifically, a heat quantityfrom the later-described thin-film heater 206 also closely relatesthereto), the fuel discharge portion 202 a and the water dischargeportion 202 b have a structure serving as a part of the adjustmentfunction for the fuel supply quantity in the above-described outputcontrol portion 14 (fuel control portion 14 a).

The fuel vaporization portion 203 a and the water vaporization portion203 b are heaters heated under vaporization conditions such as a boilingpoint of each of the power generation fuel and water, execute thevaporization process shown in FIG. 20A and vaporize the power generationfuel or water discharged from the fuel discharge portion 202 a and thewater discharge portion 202 b as liquid particles by subjecting thepower generation fuel or water to heating processing or pressurereduction processing, thereby generating mixed gas obtained from thefuel gas and the vapor in the mixing portion 203 c.

The thin-film heater 206 leads the mixed gas generated in the mixingportion 203 c into the reforming reaction flow path 204, and cause thevapor reforming reaction shown in FIG. 20A and the chemical equation (3)based on a copper-tin (Cu—Zn) basis catalyst (not shown) formed toadhere on the inner wall surface of the reforming reaction flow path 204and predetermined thermal energy supplied to the reforming reaction flowpath 204 from the thin-film heater 206 provided in accordance with anarea in which the reforming reaction flow path 204 is formed to thereforming reaction flow path 204, thereby generating hydrogen gas (H₂O)(vapor reforming reaction process).

The hydrogen gas exhaust portion 205 emits hydrogen gas which isgenerated in the reforming reaction flow path 204 and contains carbonmonoxide and the like, eliminates carbon monoxide (CO) through theaqueous shift reaction process and the selected oxidation reactionprocess in the selected oxidation reaction portion 210Z, and thereaftersupplies the obtained gas to the fuel electrode of the fuel cellconstituting the power generation portion 12. As a result, a series ofthe electrochemical reactions based on the chemical equations (6) and(7) are produced in the power generation portion 12, thereby generatingpredetermined electric power.

In the power supply system having such a structure, for example, whenthe fuel pack 20 is coupled with the power generation module 10 throughthe I/F portion 30 in accordance with the above-described overalloperation (the initial operation, the start-up operation, the steadyoperation, and the stop operation), the leak prevention function by thefuel supply valve 24A (fuel leak preventing means) is released, and thepower generation fuel (for example, methanol) FL charged in the fuelcharging space 22A of the fuel pack 20 is supplied to the fuel electrodeof the fuel battery directly constituting the sub power supply portion11 through the fuel feed path 31, thereby generating second electricpower. This electric power is supplied to the operation control portion13 mounted on the control chip 90 as the operating electric power, andalso supplied as the drive electric power to the controller CNT includedin the device DVC (not shown) to which the power supply system 301 iselectrically connected through the positive electrode terminal and thenegative electrode terminal which are not illustrated.

When the operation control portion 13 receives information concerningthe drive state of the load LD of the device DVC from the controllerCNT, the operation control portion 13 outputs an operation controlsignal to the start-up control portion 15, and uses a part of theelectric power generated by the sub power supply portion 11 to heat thethin-film heater 206 of the vapor reforming reaction portion 210X. Also,the operation control portion 13 discharges predetermined amounts of thepower generation fuel and water to the reforming reaction flow path 204of the vapor reforming reaction portion 210X. As a result, hydrogen gas(H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are generated by the vapor reformingreaction and the selected oxidation reaction indicated by the abovechemical equations (3) to (5), and hydrogen gas (H₂) is supplied to thefuel electrode of the fuel cell constituting the power generationportion 12, thereby generating first electric power. The first electricpower is supplied to the load LD of the device DVC as the load driveelectric power. Further, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is emitted to the outsideof the power generation module 10 (power supply system 301) through, forexample, the exhaust hole 14 d provided on the top face of the powergeneration module 10.

A by-product (gas such as vapor) generated at the time of the powergeneration operation in the power generation portion 12 is cooled andliquefied in the separation collection portion 17. Consequently, theby-product is separated into water and any other gas components, andonly water is collected and partially supplied to the vapor reformingreaction portion 210X through the by-product supply path 16 a.Furthermore, any other water is irreversibly held in the collectionholding space 22B in the fuel pack 20 through the by-product collectionpath 32.

According to the power supply system 301 relating to this concretestructural example, therefore, appropriate electric power (firstelectric power) according to the drive state of the driven load (deviceDVC) can be autonomously outputted without accepting resupply of thefuel from the outside of the power supply system 301, the powergeneration operation can be effected with the high energy conversionefficiency while realizing the electrical characteristic equivalent tothat of the general-purpose chemical cell and easy handling. Moreover,it is possible to realize the portable type power supply system whichimposes less burden on the environment at least in case of discardingthe fuel pack 20 to the natural world or subjecting the same to landfilldisposal.

In this concrete structural example, description has been given as tothe case where a part of a by-product (water) generated or collected inthe power generation portion 12, the vapor reforming reaction portion210X or the like is supplied to the vapor reforming reaction portion210X and reused, water charged in the fuel pack 20 together with thepower generation fuel (methanol or the like) is utilized and the vaporreforming reaction is executed in the vapor reforming reaction portion210X in the power supply system to which such a structure is notapplied.

In case of performing the power generation operation by using thecharged power generation fuel to which water is mixed in advance,therefore, as shown in FIG. 75, as a structure of the vapor reformingreaction portion 210X, it is possible to apply a structure in whichthere is formed a single flow path consisting of only the fuel dischargeportion 202, the fuel vaporization portion 203, the reforming reactionflow path 204 and the hydrogen gas exhaust portion 205 on one surfaceside of the small substrate 201.

As described above, the power supply system according to the presentinvention can be achieved by arbitrarily combining members in theforegoing structural examples, the power generation modules in therespective embodiments and the attachable and detachable structures inthe respective embodiments. In some cases, a plurality of either the subpower supply portions or the power generation portions may be providedin parallel, or a plurality of types of the same may be provided inparallel. Since drive of the power generation portion is controlled inaccordance with the start-up state of the device by such a structure,waste of the power generation fuel can be suppressed, and the energyresource utilization efficiency can be improved. In particular, thepresent invention can be extensively utilized for a portable device towhich a removable general-purpose cell is applied as a power supply suchas a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook-sizepersonal computer, a digital video cameral, a digital still camera andothers, or a display unit such as a liquid crystal element, anelectroluminescent element and others.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A fuel pack including a space for storing a fuel, comprising: a fuelcase main body which is adapted to be removably coupled to a powergeneration portion which generates power by using the fuel, and whichcomprises an exposed portion which is exposed with respect to the powergeneration portion when the fuel case main body is coupled with thepower generation portion; and a feed port for supplying the fuel to thepower generation portion.
 2. The fuel pack according to claim 1, whereinthe fuel case main body is removable from the power generation portionby manipulating the exposed portion.
 3. The fuel pack according to claim1, wherein the fuel case main body is adapted to be coupled to the powergeneration portion by manipulating the exposed portion.
 4. The fuel packaccording to claim 1, further comprising an intake port for collecting aby-product generated by the power generation portion.
 5. The fuel packaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of the fuel pack and the feedport comprises biodegradable plastic.
 6. The fuel pack according toclaim 1, wherein at least a part of the fuel case main body istransparent.
 7. The fuel pack according to claim 1, wherein the fuelcase main body is at least partially transparent and comprises agraduation for measuring a quantity of the fuel.
 8. A fuel packincluding a space for storing a fuel, comprising: a case which comprisesa feed port for exhausting the fuel to outside of the fuel pack; whereinat least a portion of the case is formed of a biodegradable material. 9.The fuel pack according to claim 8, further comprising a protectingmember which separates the portion of the case formed of a biodegradablematerial from degradation factors for degrading the portion.
 10. Thefuel pack according to claim 9, wherein the protecting member is made ofa material which is not degradable by the degradation factors.
 11. Thefuel pack according to claim 9, wherein the protecting member comprisesa film which covers the portion of the case formed of the biodegradablematerial.
 12. The fuel pack according to claim 9, wherein the protectingmember is removable from the case.